April 18, 2024

UC Davis’ 110th annual Picnic Day to be held April 20

The annual open house returns with a “Picnic Palooza” theme

BY VINCE BASADA campus@theaggie.org

UC Davis’ 110th annual Picnic Day is set for Saturday, April 20. This year’s open house will bear the theme “Picnic Palooza” and will have an expected 75,000 attendees.

Picnic Day began in 1909 and was originally a modest showcase of the campus’ new dairy barn. Today, Picnic Day is one of the largest student-run events in the country, according to the official Picnic Day website.

This year’s program will have over 200 events, including fan favorites like the ticketed Doxie Derby in the University Credit Union Center from 12 to 2 p.m. Other highlights include the Fashion and Design Society Fashion Show in Cruess Hall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Davis Dance Revolution at the University Credit Union Center at 7 p.m.

The first event of the day, the parade, will form at the Grandstands on North Quad Avenue across from

Picnic

Publicity Director. Feng said the theme was chosen to show off the school’s spirit and dedication.

“We wanted to have a theme that showcased [that] even though we do so much on campus and we are proud of all we are doing, we also have fun while doing it, and we’re also proud of that,” Feng said.

Feng recommends that all attendees bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and other warm-weather essentials. Water refill stations will be available throughout the campus, and food will be offered.

“Creating your own little schedule using the [official] schedule of events would be something I would do as well,” Feng said. This year’s Picnic Day will see the launch of a new text line. Attendees can text “UCD Picnic Day” to 888-

777 to receive updates throughout the day as well as get support in cases of minor emergencies. In the case of a life-threatening emergency, attendees should call 911. Additionally, a firstaid tent will be set up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Lot 40 across from Khaira Lecture Hall (formerly known as Sciences Lecture Hall).

According to Feng, students who want to be involved in this year’s event can still volunteer. Volunteers can sign up for two-hour shifts throughout the day and will receive a free t-shirt. Those interested are referred to the Picnic Day official social media pages and website.

Feng said she recommends everyone stop by the Children’s Discovery Fair.

“There’s just so many fun things to do,” Feng said. “Like last year, I got one of those balloons that looks like an animal. That was really cute, and [there are] also a lot of performances near there.”

A full schedule of events is available on the official Picnic Day website.

ASUCD spring 2024 elections to be held from April 22 to 26

There are several positions up for election cycle and The Green Initiative Fund will be on the ballot for the last time

BY LILY FREEMAN campus@theaggie.org

ASUCD spring 2024 elections will be held from April 22 to 26, where UC Davis undergraduate students can vote online during this period on the elections website.

There are six seats in the Senate up for election this cycle, with 15 candidates running for the spots. There is only one presidential ticket running unopposed for the ASUCD President and Internal Vice President positions, one candidate running unopposed for the External Affairs Vice President position, one candidate running unopposed for the International Student Representative position, one candidate running opposed for the Transfer Student Representative position and three candidates running for the Student Advocate position.

During election week, students will vote online through a choice voting system. Voters will be asked to rank as many or as few candidates as they wish in ascending order.

“The advantage is that you can vote for the candidate you truly wish for without your vote being wasted if they’re an unpopular candidate,” the elections website reads. “Specifying more than one preference does not

hurt your preference.”

There will be one student fee referendum on the ballot, The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) which is a grant program that provides funding toward students, faculty and staff to develop and lead sustainable projects on campus. “The TGIF fee is a $3.50 quarterly fee in the undergraduate tuition,” a TGIF Instagram post reads. “This fee goes directly towards funding the TGIF grant program [and] 25% of the collected fee is returned to student aid.”

In order to reinstate this student fee, TGIF needs at least 60% of the votes in favor. On top of this, the student-voter turnout for the election must meet a 20% threshold.

This will be the fourth time that TGIF will appear on the election ballot. In all four elections, the referendum surpassed the 60% majority needed to pass, but there has not been a voter turnout close to 20%.

“For the past year, TGIF has been running off of reserves and money returned from projects,” the TGIF Instagram post reads. “If TGIF is not renewed this year, we will fully exhaust all funds and the program will close.” Students can use this QR code from April 22 to 26 to cast their votes.

Senate enters contentious discussion over emergency bill at April 11 meeting

SB #77, a piece of emergency legislation, aims to provide funding for events hosted by several RSOs

BY RODRIGO VILLEGAS campus@theaggie.org

Senator Trinity Chow called the meeting to order at 6:13 p.m. and shortly after read the UC Davis Land Acknowledgement.

The Senate then heard a proposal for an ASUCD fair event — a large-scale tabling event slated for fall quarter 2024 proposed by the Academic Affairs Commission Vice Chairperson Iris Chen. According to the proposal, many students are not familiar with all the resources ASUCD provides, and many students also voice complaints about lack of connection. Chen stated that this event would help the image and reputation of ASUCD. “Students love the CoHo and the Pantry, but not many students know about the work that [ASUCD does] behind the scenes,” Chen said. “If this event occurs, it’ll be very impactful towards the image and reputation of ASUCD.”

Afterwards, the meeting moved into public comments, where a member from La Familia de UC Davis requested funding for a quinceñera that the club plans to host.

Next, the Senate received training from the Center for Advocacy, Resources & Education (CARE) on sexual violence and sexual harassment.

After confirming a nominee for Undocuscholars Advocacy and Aid Committee (UAA) chairperson, the meeting moved into a break.

When the meeting resumed, the Senate considered old legislation, which included two pieces of emergency legislation.

The first emergency bill, SB #78, would transform the Student Health and Wellness Committee (SHAWC) into a unit: ASUCD Student Health and Wellness (SHAW). Julia Miller, the SHAWC chairperson, argued that due to the committee’s stronger presence on campus, it requires the structure of an ASUCD unit to continue addressing student health and wellness needs. Following a short discussion, SB #78 passed.

After, a long discussion ensued over SB #77, the second piece of emergency legislation. In this bill, former Senator Gaius Ilupeju requested funding for events by several ethnic student organizations by transferring $20,000 from the

Entertainment Council (EC)’s midsize and miscellaneous shows line item to the Office of the External Affairs Vice President (OEAVP) special project line item. Senator Jacob Klein started the conversation. “Can this kind of budgetary transfer happen?” Klein said. “I feel that if any line item can be transferred to something completely separate, doesn’t that completely diminish the whole point of having a clearly defined budget in the first place if things can be moved around whatsoever?” Controller Allyson Francisco responded.

“I completely support the initiative we are trying to fund,” Francisco said. “Personally, I think the best way to have done it would be to just make a transfer between EC to OEAVP, not moving it through Senate reserves. The biggest issue is not the moving between line items but the fact that you’re trying to adjust the Senate reserve’s cap, which was set for a reason. All of us choosing to adjust reserves when it suits us is not financially wise at all.”

The conversation then shifted towards financial limitations placed on ASUCD as a result of the Club Finance Council (CFC) carrying forward its remaining funds into the next academic year. This decision by CFC was made following funding cuts

from ASUCD during the 2023 budget hearings and after the university did not renew its sponsorship with Pepsi.

“We are bleeding,” Senator Curtis Chen said. “I am a champion of funding RSOs [Registered Student Organizations], but if we stay on this trend of bleeding out, we won’t be able to do anything in the future.”

The conversation continued, with Senator Nur Ambaw eventually pitching an idea to reserve funds for RSOs; however, his idea was quickly rejected. He proceeded to mention how the Senate is still passing spending bills despite their statements that they are “bleeding.”

Controller Francisco replied.

“This is unprecedented,” Francisco said. “This is extremely unprecedented that [Ilupeju] proposed without my consent. I agreed to it because I agree with the initiative, but I do not agree with how it happened.”

Internal Affairs Commission

Chairperson ThuyAnh Truong joined the conversation to give her opinions.

“This is clearly a series of unfortunate events, and I think it’ll be money well spent,” Truong said. “However, I think we really need to prevent last-minute spending in the future, and at this point, I think we need to create legislation for that. Had this bill gone through the legislative process, we could’ve asked all these

questions.” Truong continued. “Why would anyone go to CFC for an application if they know they can just come to the Senate and get it?” Truong said. “Why would anyone go through the legislative process when they know they can write an emergency bill and, because there’s so limited time [and] because people we hired to be experts on this aren’t here, they can just have it pass [with] no questions asked?”

Ilupeju apologized that the bill did not undergo the correct legislative process and stressed that this bill was a result of a series of unfortunate events. According to Ilupeju, the clubs involved did apply on time for funding from the CFC, but they were denied because of the CFC’s lack of funds.

The conversation continued, and eventually, Senator Chow interjected to motion to cap the conversation after 30 more minutes.

Senator Klein resumed, mentioning that this is not the first time that two of the involved RSOs have requested funds from the Senate with an emergency bill. According to Klein, a similar situation played out last spring with SB #125. Consequently, he asked if the Senate will continue to allocate emergency funds to “the same RSOs without oversight.”

“You sat here; you voted on that; you knew what happened,” Ilupeju said. “To pretend that this happens all the time when this is only the second time it’s happened, I think that’s a mischaracterization.” Ilepeju expanded on his argument.

“At this campus, Black students don’t get shit,” Ilupeju said. “This campus has an issue with not doing enough for us. And this is not just a Davis issue.”

Senator Klein apologized for his comments and clarified that he did not mean to specifically call out those RSOs.

Senator Chen then intervened to propose that, for now, the bill should be amended to provide funding for food and reservations for the nearest event. With Ilupeju’s agreement, the bill was reduced from $20,000 to $5,292.84. Ultimately, SB #77 passed.

Next, the meeting transitioned to consider SB #72, which reduces the number of quarterly reports from ASUCD subordinate bodies from three to two per academic year, and SB #74, which proposes an earlier deadline to notify parties involved in ASUCD legislation. Both bills passed. The meeting adjourned at 10:33 p.m.

Wickson Hall. The opening ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m. and the parade will begin at 10:15 a.m. Michelle Feng, a second-year communications and design major, is the

Day

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE

Davis celebrates ninth annual Cherry Blossom Festival

The festival gathers the flavors, music and culture of the city’s diverse community

BY MATTHEW MCELDOWNEY city@theaggie.org

Returning to Sudwerk Brewing Company for The Davis Cherry Blossom Festival, an impressive turnout of artists, musicians and families came out to appreciate the culture of Davis’ diverse Asian American community. From April 13 to 14, students and alumni worked together in this non-profit to provide a platform for cultural appreciation and community.

Taiko groups from all over California came together to share their passion for this Japanese drumming art. The festival’s art and food vendors were able to infuse the event with the diverse flavors and artistic traditions of all things uniquely Davis and Asian American. With the help of its volunteers, the non-profit was able to raise money for causes such as Asian Resources Inc. and the International Rescue Committee, all while ensuring that this festival is free to enter and accessible to all.

Lisa Shigenaga, a member of the Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan — the UC Davis student group for Taiko playing — and a member of the Board of Directors for the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival, expressed how important it is for her to play together alongside those who share in this identity and passion for Taiko.

“Asian American identity and social justice work is intertwined with why we play,” Shigenaga said. “Because, while Taiko is sometimes seen as this ancient Japanese art form, in reality, what we’re playing has really developed a lot in North America by Asian Americans who have come together to celebrate this part of their heritage.”

This mission of empowerment prevalent in Taiko has its historic roots in the Asian American community during the Civil Rights Movement, according to Shigenaga. Taiko itself was initially imported by its North American founder, Seiichi Tanaka, to be incorporated into the San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival. Shigenaga shared that, ultimately, the desire to carry on this facet of Japanese heritage has evolved to empower the marginalized voices within the Asian American community.

The Davis Cherry Blossom Festival has undergone major transformations since its inception in 2016. From its humbler origins as an ensemble organized by Bakuhatsu Taiko, the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival has been able to pull in Taiko groups from all over California. With continued support, the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival was able to host an Artists’ Alley, activities such as lantern painting and its variety of food vendors, as well

as local bands and speakers within the community.

“It’s been quite a lot of work this year,” Shigenaga said. “It felt like a fulltime job for me, but it’s so rewarding.”

Gloria Kum, a former member of Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan and the official designer of the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival mascot, has been around the festival since its founding and gave insight into the behind-the-scenes of how it feels to play for the Taiko group.

“The energy that you feel from the people surrounding you is so contagious,” Kum said. “It gives you so much energy, and it feels really empowering.” Since moving away from volunteering and performing for the festival, she chooses to support the festival in her own way through the art and designs she makes for them. Her experiences and the connections Kum has made through the Davis Cherry Blossom festival have expanded her horizons. “There were many opportunities where I got to design annual t-shirts for the Bakuhatsu group and other big events such as conferences,” Kum said. “So through that, other Taiko groups and people here and there ask me to design things for them. It opened up so many doors from there, and just by doing art, the soft skills I learned are carried with me to this day in my career.” Kum is optimistic about what the future has in store. Looking to start a small business with the art she creates, Kum expresses pride and fondness for the time she has been a part of the Davis Cherry Blossom Festival. A sentiment, which she shares, could only bring even greater possibilities. “It makes me really happy to see how much this event has grown such a strong community,” Kum said. “[...] I can’t wait to see what happens next when they celebrate their 10th anniversary.”

City of Davis celebrates 30th Annual Environmental Recognition Awards

Davis recognizes local business, individuals and nonprofit organizations that promote the environment

BY ALMA CULVERWELL city@theaggie.org

The city of Davis announced the deadline for its 30th Annual Environmental Recognition Awards nominations was March 20 and winners were announced on April 16. The environmental awards seek to appreciate people or businesses that have been environmentally conscious in the community.

The nomination criteria includes: addressing a current environmental concern, establishing a record of achievements or actions benefiting the environment and quality of life around

Davis, creatively implementing or developing an innovative project related to sustainability or the environment, setting an example of how to conduct business, set up a home environment and/or live daily in a manner that encourages sustainability and impacting others in the Davis community through outreach, engagement or education efforts. The awards are divided into respective categories, businesses, individual and group efforts and nonprofit organizations. The city also recognizes events and programs that have contributed to improving the Davis environment over time.

“Environmental stewardship is a core value for Davis community members,” Davis Mayor Josh Chapman said in a press release. “Through the City’s Environmental Recognition Awards, now in their 30th year, we want to recognize organizations and individuals that contribute to sustainability in Davis. These awards honor those who have made strides to envision and implement sustainability actions in the community and to support the 20202040 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.” Sean Rader, sustainability coordinator of Nugget Markets and 2020 recipient of the Sustainable

Business Recognition Environmental Award, talked about the significance of earning the award. “Here at Nugget Market, we’re committed to being a leader in our industry, which includes pursuing full-circle sustainability.” Rader said. “Founded in 2015, our Sustainability Program focuses on three key pillars: social responsibility, environmental stewardship and economic vitality. With sustainability specialists stationed throughout each store, we’re constantly improving our environmental impact through eco-friendly actions like reducing water and energy usage, recycling, diverting food waste, donating to local

nonprofits and more.” Nugget was awarded due to their major developments in energy savings, water conservation, food waste reduction and more. They also partner with other local nonprofits and government agencies to support environmental well-being in the city of Davis.

Nominations were submitted to Kerry Loux, city of Davis sustainability coordinator, and are set to be reviewed by the city’s Natural Resource Commission and winners were accepted during a ceremonial presentation on April 16.

Performers at last year’s Cherry Blossom Festival. (Aggie File)

ARTS & CULTURE

Five poems to celebrate the arrival of April and its status as National Poetry Month

Enjoy a selection of April-themed poetry

BY JULIE HUANG arts@theaggie.org

The month of April promises spring showers, summer around the corner and an entire month dedicated to appreciating poetry and those who write it. Fittingly, many poets have written about the month designated as National Poetry Month, often imbuing the idea of April with bittersweet feelings of gentle melancholy and hope. The following poems, which span across time and literary movements, exemplify those tender feelings that are so readily associated with April and springtime.

“The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot

“April is the cruellest month, breeding / Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing / Memory and desire, stirring / dull roots with spring rain.”

Often taught in English classes and literature courses, “The Waste Land” is best known as a shining example of Modernist poetry — complex in form and loaded with obscure literary references. Yet strikingly simple is the alluring sentiment of its opening lines, which masterfully characterize the duality of April as both a time to celebrate new growth and a time to remember old losses. This wistful approach to the month of April helps ease the reader into the long journey that is the rest of “The Waste Land.”

“Spring” by Edna St. Vincent Millay

“To what purpose, April, do you return again?”

Edna St. Vincent Millay uses plain, unpretentious language in her plainly titled “Spring,” and it creates a somber effect. The poem carries a sharp, accusatory tone as it comments on the relentless cycle of time. The month of April appears to be a scapegoat for the speaker’s dissatisfaction with the nature of time, singled out for being a beautiful month whose beauty cannot end the cycle of the seasons. This may be a poem to read and reflect on during moments of nostalgia or déjà vu while looking at the familiar sight of returning greenery or budding flowers.

The

“Song of a Second April” by Edna St. Vincent Millay

“April this year, not otherwise / Than April of a year ago, / Is full of whispers, full of sighs”

Millay’s other poetic acknowledgment of April takes on a more hopeful, sympathetic tone. Once again the prevailing theme is the passage of time, demonstrated by the cyclical nature of the seasons. Yet in “Song of a Second April” Millay focuses more on the triumph of April year after year in doing away with the harsh jagged cold of winter and bringing the soft sweetness of springtime to the world. It provides a nice contrast to the sharpness of “Spring,” which makes for a complementary reading experience when pairing the two poems together.

“Two Tramps in Mud Time” by Robert Frost

“The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day.”

Once again, April is called out for its apparent duality, this time in a Robert Frost poem that narrates a tale of the speaker chopping wood when he is approached by two strangers. In setting the scene for his narrative, Frost perfectly captures the contradictory feeling that often accompanies springtime. It is not quite warm enough to be summer, but not cold enough to be winter. This feeling of being in between lends the poem, and the month of April, a sense of melancholy and hesitation.

“April Rain Song” by Langston Hughes

“The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night / and I love the rain.”

Hughes, celebrated for his accessible, authentic poetry that directly addressed the Black American experience, immortalizes in “April Rain Song” the quiet moment of feeling happiness at hearing spring rain. Full of sincere appreciation, the poem turns what could be seen as simply a commonplace occurrence into a celebration of April and the human capacity to feel unabashed love and joy.

sun is out, and the urge to drop everything and bake a cobbler is high — here are some ideas for your spring quarter baking

I scrolled through Pinterest so you don’t have to

BY SONORA SLATER arts@theaggie.org

When the sun comes out, the birds start chirping and the overwhelming array of mandarin oranges at the farmers market starts to be interrupted by cherries and strawberries, the urge to bake always comes out in me.

What better way to avoid your homework, questions about the future and other such last-quarter-questions than by mixing up a little treat for you and your roommates? Bonus point — you get to scroll through Pinterest to find your recipes. It’s an essential part of the process.

But if you’re a little short on time, don’t worry; I already scrolled through Pinterest for you. For science, of course. And I’m here now to share with you what I found and inspire you, too, to buy more baking powder than you’ll ever need, and in the process discover true spring quarter joy.

BY CHANCELLOR GARY MAY arts@theaggie.org

Song: “As” by Stevie Wonder

The ultimate GOAT song is “As” by Stevie Wonder, which truly stands the test of time. Released almost 50 years ago, its lyrics — perhaps the most profound of all time — are an ode to life, love and demonstrating that we can make what seems impossible possible if we believe. Wonder’s incredible vocal range and masterful piano skills always inspire me to keep going and find moments of joy even when life sometimes gets difficult.

Movie: “Creed” (2015) dir. by Ryan Coogler

Creed is a movie that means a lot to me because of the powerful family relationships portrayed in the film. Even though boxing movies aren’t my usual first pick, I was moved by the power of connection between children and their parents. When asked about what he would say to his late father after the climactic championship fight, Adonis Creed says: “I would tell him I love him, that I know he didn’t leave me on purpose and I am proud to be a Creed.” After having lost my own father, this line is incredibly moving to me. The movie’s message that we should never give up and remember the debt we owe to those who came before us helps explain its universal appeal.

these versatile and hands-on cookies take shortbread to the next level. To make them, all you need to do is push your thumb into the center of a ball of buttery shortbread dough — or you can make a heart like I did by using two pinky fingers — and fill it with the jam of your choice.

Second, cobbler. This might be crazy, but I’m about to give you my family’s top-secret cobbler recipe, passed down through generations. Ready? Fill a glass dish with fruit of your choice. Cover with a dry cake mix. Yes, BOXED cake mix. Melt a stick of butter and pour it on top. Bake at 350 degrees until the edges are browned. The end!

TV Show: “Star Trek” (1966-1969)

The television show, “Star Trek” is much more than just a sci-fi series for avid watchers. It sparked my interest in science and technology and introduced me to human rights issues. The first time I saw a flip-phone was on Star Trek. My fellow Trekkers will know that the PADD devices used by the Starfleet’s crew look a lot like the computer tablets we use today. “Star Trek” was a window into a world of possibilities. The multi-cultural crew on the USS Enterprise gave us a vision of social harmony. “Star Trek” made us ponder topics of human rights, moral quandaries and social issues that we still face now.

One of my favorite episodes is “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield.” It features aliens Belle and Lokai, whose faces are half black and half white. Notably, the only difference between the two was whether the left half of their face was white. When Belle says, “It is obvious to the most simple-minded that Lokai is of an inferior breed,” the viewer struggles to understand the difference. Spock replied, “The obvious visual evidence, Commissioner, is that he is of the same breed as yourself,” a sardonic commentary on race relations in our country. Captain Kirk also introduced me to leadership lessons that have served me well, and may work for others, too: accept advice but make your own decisions; sometimes rules are meant to be broken; get your hands dirty and perhaps most importantly: get involved in your own life and explore the world.

Let’s talk seasonal fruit. As aforementioned, cherries and strawberries are coming into season, and there is truly nothing like fresh fruits straight from the market. But if you’re wondering what to do with all of it, here’s some ideas: First, thumbprint cookies. A fanfavorite among kids and adults alike, Scan

Third, baked strawberry glazed donuts. I think a lot of people are scared of making donuts because they assume they’ll have to fry them, and therefore face the imminent fear that is hot oil splashing out of the pan. But baked donuts are — hot take — just as good, and so much easier. For a spring-esque twist, mix some chopped strawberries into any plain baked donut recipe, and then make a glaze with diced strawberries, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract. Measure with your heart, until the thickness seems right, and then dip the warm donuts into your fabulous concoction.

wait to see what you come up with!

Next up, we have edible flowers. I mean, come on. Imagine having dandelion cupcakes to go along with your Upper Crust Bakery scone, or sugared pansy cookies with your iced Secret Garden latte from Mishka’s. What could be more spring? You can also try decorating a cake with

Book: “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Alex Haley and Malcolm X Malcolm X is an inspiration to many, including me. Throughout my journey from college student to chancellor, I’ve turned to this influential autobiography to gain wisdom from his words. Not only does this book provide a powerful perspective on the civil rights movement and shed light on the experiences and struggles of the African American community, but it also shows his testament to the power of education and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity. Malcolm’s evolution and personal journey from prison to civil rights leadership demonstrates the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges that seem insurmountable. blueberries or strawberry slices, taking advantage of the natural aesthetic display these warm months

OPINION

Picnics at the Arboretum, baby ducklings and earlyonset senioritis: This is spring quarter at UC Davis!

Be the main character by listening to The Editorial Board’s spring soundtrack and participating in our favorite spring quarter activities

WRITTEN BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Happy Picnic Day! (Or…. hope your Picnic Day went well if you’re reading this late!). In the spirit of Davis’ favorite 90+ degree, wildly chaotic, hyper-local holiday, we thought we’d take this time to extol the virtues of the best quarter in Davis: spring. From the classic events that generations of Davisites (Aggies?) have celebrated — you’ll note a bias among the Editorial Board toward The Whole Earth Festival — to the simple joys of taking a nap in the sun on the Quad, here’s a taste of what we love most about spring quarter. And to add to the fun, we’ve also curated a playlist for you to listen to while you search for ducklings at the Arboretum, or take a trip to Putah Creek. Enjoy! :)

Sonora Slater, Editor-in-Chief

As a self-proclaimed spring girlie, I’d say it’s pretty indisputable that this quarter in Davis is unmatched. Baby ducklings, live music outdoors, craft fairs, California poppies…. the dark days of January are SO OVER! But even though I love all of the typical spring quarter traditions (Picnic Day, the Whole Earth Festival, The California Aggie’s Best of Davis issue), my favorite thing about this quarter is the nostalgia. From the end-of-year events to the casual 3 a.m. conversations with roommates reminiscing on all your best memories (and embarrassing moments), it’s rare in life to get such a clear opportunity to know that things are going to change soon. Take it as an opportunity to appreciate the joy that has been in your life and recognize the people who shared that joy with you. Whether it’s your first spring quarter in Davis or your last, enjoy the next seven weeks to the fullest, spend some time in the sun and hug your friends. Oh, and listen to our playlist — happy spring!

Songs: “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood

Mac “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick

“so american” by Olivia Rodrigo “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by the Eagles “True Blue” by boygenius

Scan to listen to the ed board’s springtime soundtrack

Clara Fischer, Managing Editor

Spring quarter is pretty hard to beat — the warming weather, plethora of fun events and general good vibe on campus make it one of my favorite times of year to be in Davis. I’m particularly fond of the Whole Earth Festival (WEF), UC Davis’ student-run, zero-waste music and arts festival that takes place on the MU Quad. There’s something magical about the atmosphere that’s cultivated during WEF weekend that captures the quintessential spirit of our school. Also, houseboats is pretty fun.

Songs: “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears For Fears “Cinderella” by Remi Wolf “3005” by Childish Gambino “My Fun” by Suki Waterhouse

Lily Freeman, Campus News Editor

We’ve finally made it to the light at the end of the tunnel: spring quarter. From outdoor live music to the rope swing at Putah Creek, you really can’t beat the vibes of these 10 weeks. Personally, the warm weather and late sunsets make for the perfect time at our local breweries. Both Sudwerk Brewing Co. and Ruhstaller Farm have the best atmospheres for socializing and dancing. You don’t have to drink to have a good time (both are open to all ages), and they often host live music from local bands too. The spring in Davis is also great for spending time with nature, so catch me having picnics in the Arboretum and taking naps on the MU Quad.

Songs: “Peace Blossom Boogy” by Babe Rainbow “Lose Yourself to Dance” by Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams

“Long Time” by Blondie “Next to Normal” by Lucius “Smoothies in 1991” by Larry June

Chris Ponce, City News Editor

As simple as it is, being outdoors more is what I look forward to most about spring. Sure the “spring forward” time change technically happened last quarter, but the extra hours of sunlight are what help make this time of the year special. There’s something about being able to walk out of my evening class and sit underneath a tree in the MU Quad with a good book that can’t be beat. More daylight means I have more time to spend with my friends outside, enjoy longer walks and just sit outside and appreciate what is around me. I guess what I’m really trying to say is that I’m grateful that I get to “touch grass” again. On top of all of this, spring quarter also has so many events that make Davis feel more lively than ever. While I hate the heat, I feel truly lucky to have more daylight all while being outdoors with the people that I love.

Sudoku

Songs: “PAZ” by Surely Tempo “Drawings of Nothing” by Archer Oh “Strawberries” by Archer Oh “Accidente” by Las Ligas Menores “Fresas Con Crema - Unquiet Live Session” by Mexican Slum Rats

Annabel Marshall, Opinion Editor

Listen kids. We’ve got about five sweet weeks before Davis becomes a sweat-drenched hellscape. You simply must make the most of them. I know it’s tough out there, when the GEs you took for giggles start assigning actual work. Whether it’s lounging on the lawn in a perfect impression of someone productive or making use of the warm nights to stay out extra late for Thirsty Thursdays, spring quarter is full of memories begging to be made. And documented, by that one friend with a digital camera and a dream (We love you!). Your last quarter is going to be your best, and not just because you’re finally waking up after sunrise. We can do it! Now go out there and get ‘em!

Songs:

“Alright” by Supergrass “Five Years” by David Bowie

“Glass in the Park” by Alex Turner

“Salt Lake City” by Etta Marcus “Jackie and Wilson” by Hozier

Yasmeen O’Brien, Features Editor

Spring in Davis is undoubtedly my favorite time of the year. The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, the music is bumping and the people are dancing. Though I am excited to graduate, I am very sad this will be my last Davis spring. However, I am determined to make the most of it, and you should too! (Even if you’ve got lots more ahead of you.) Here are some things I’m looking forward to this spring: Swimming, wading or jumping off the rope swing at Putah Creek are great options to cool off in the hot Davis air and get you out into nature. Also, the wonderfully wacky and groovy Whole Earth Festival where you can listen to live music (including Lily’s band, Baby at the Bar!), shop for handmade, one-of-akind items and meet people from all over the country always brings out the best in people. Honestly, I am most excited to simply lay in the sun and spend lots of time outside with friends after a long and cold winter quarter. Happy spring, Aggies!

Songs: “59th Street Bridge Song” by Simon & Garfunkel (Live at Carnegie Hall version) “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd “Up Granville” by Peach Pit

“Until We Get There” by Lucius “California Girls” by The Beach Boys (and “California Gurls” by Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg)

Ana Bach, Arts and Culture Editor

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the normal academic workload, spring quarter does a great job of providing fun-filled activities to make the normal stress of school more enjoyable. The nice weather brings the Davis community out of hibernation like nothing else. Craft fairs, vintage sales and outdoor music performances consume the majority of my free time in the spring. If I had to pick favorites, I would say I’m looking forward to the Whole Earth Festival and Picnic Day the most. Both events have everything from live performances to food trucks, taking all of what makes Davis so special and creating a whirlwind of a celebration. All of us should embrace the wonderful weather and the energy of the Davis atmosphere this spring!

Songs: “Eyes on my baby” by BETWEEN FRIENDS “That Life” by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

“I’ve Been In Love” by Jungle “Always Get Through To You” by Barry Can’t Swim

Megan Joseph, Sports Editor

The cold and somber feelings that come with winter quarter are finally gone! Spring in Davis is such a fun and lively time that is unmatched by any other school. With students passing the football around, lying outside or even having picnics, spring is enjoyed

by everyone. Anytime in the spring is my favorite but, if I had to pick one event or activity it would be Picnic Day. It not only celebrates Davis and the community we live in, but also the ending of the cold and the start of the permanent sunshine. Whether this is your first Picnic Day or your last, enjoy it, because it is unbeatable.

Songs: “Brazil” by Declan McKenna “Missing Piece” by Vance Joy “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison “La La Land” by Bryce Vine “Summer” by Calvin Harris

Katie Hellman, Science and Technology Editor

My favorite part about spring is going to the Arboretum. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still nice to visit in the fall and winter, but it’s a different level of peaceful when the sun is shining. The best part about visiting during this time of year is definitely being able to see the ducklings that live by the creek and walking along the California Redwood Grove. Also, with spring comes the promise of summer and a break from some of the cold days in Davis.

Songs: “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles “Linger” by The Cranberries “Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac “Ventura Highway” by America “Lovefool” by The Cardigans

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

Answer to previous puzzle 04/11/24

Best downtown shop: Armadillo Music

The store gives customers a place to interact with each other and enjoy music

BY JORDAN POLTORAK features@theaggie.org

Even in the age of streaming music, students have voted Armadillo Music as their favorite shop downtown, holding 44.7% of the vote. The store, located at 207 F Street, is filled with records, CDs, posters and pins and even has a bar inside. From the concerts and events to the two floors of new and used products, there’s something at Armadillo Music for everyone in the Davis area.

“A record store makes people warm and fuzzy inside,” Paul Wilbur, the Armadillo store manager, said. “You get to connect to other people and connect with music.”

Davis Mayor Joshua Chapman took over the store alongside his wife, Athena, in 2010, the store having been in Chapman’s family since its opening in 1996.

“Someone can be browsing and all of a sudden, they’re talking to the person next to them who [they’ve] never met before,” Chapman said. “They’re making connections over music and lived experiences they’ve had around music.”

More than ever, people are looking for a place to make connections. Record stores give them just that, and more.

“It’s one of those businesses that’s a bit more intimate, and in an internet world, it’s hard to feel like you’re in an

intimate setting,” Wilbur said. “They come in, and they know me, Josh, the owners and all [of] the other employees. The internet is this giant, massive, vast place and this gives them a small space to come hang out.”

The store features a myriad of vintage records as well as new releases like Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” and provides the opportunity to buy, sell and trade items. It also frequently hosts local bands that perform in the store — if you’re interested in performing, Armadillo Music is always booking bands, and you can email them at bookingarmadillomusic@gmail.com for more information.

“This is a place where people come and hang out,” Wilbur said. “You can spend an hour here and just look at stuff and it’s fun.”

Meghan White, a first-year sociology major, recalls going to Redbox and Blockbuster as a child and described why she thinks music stores are so successful to this day.

“I’d never gone to a music store before Armadillo,” White said. “People go for nostalgia.”

Armadillo Music provides the perfect mix of nostalgia and novel. The store’s next event will be on April 20 for the national annual Record Store Day where doors will open at 9 a.m. for customers to access rare records. This day is meant to celebrate independently owned record stores, just like Armadillo.

Best burrito: Ali Baba

Middle Eastern eatery Ali Baba voted Best Burrito in Davis for the fourth time

BY ALEXANDRA

Middle Eastern eatery Ali Baba Cafe has been voted Best Burrito in Davis with an overwhelming 75% of the votes. Ali Baba is known in Davis for having highly addictive, unique breakfast burritos suitable for all times of the day. Ali Baba offers a wide-ranging menu featuring gyros, hamburgers and specialty coffee drinks, but their breakfast burritos are a popular staple of the restaurant.

When he was only 20 years old, Ali Moghaddam opened the cafe in 2008. Motivated by a desire to learn and contribute to the community, Moghaddam and his mentor, Ali Reza, decided to establish Ali Baba in Davis because of the high foot traffic common in a college town.

“I was just a punk kid who didn’t want to go to school, and my parents were like, well, you have to work,” Moghaddam said. “When I started, I was 20 and very optimistic. I loved that I was around the age of all the kids around me. Having a restaurant really allowed me to meet a lot of people and grow with the business [and] understand people better.” Ali Baba introduced the breakfast

Best campus animal: Cheeto

The beloved cat has once again won students’ hearts

BY RIVERS STOUT campus@theaggie.org

Cheeto the famous orange cat has won the best campus animal category for the third year in a row, receiving 42.9% of the vote. The cat just keeps coming back. With a soothing presence and relaxed demeanor, students seeking a little bit of comfort while on campus can find him lying by the physics building, waiting for attention.

With his own Instagram page of over 11.8k followers, Cheeto has time and time again proven himself to be the most beloved animal on campus, beating the horses, turkeys, ducks, squirrels and more.

“I think Cheeto the cat is a nice little critter here on campus,” Nataly Barreto, a first-year biological sciences major, said.

Barreto frequently visits Cheeto just for the joy of seeing him.

“With so many animals present, like cows and turkeys, it’s nice to have an animal who won’t attack you,” Barreto said. “Whenever I catch a glimpse of him it feels like I just saw Bigfoot. I’m always trying to take photos and I practically freeze when I see Cheeto.”

He can be found near the physics building, in its shared parking lot with

Mrak and King Hall, and he is always eager for pets.

Barreto shared their first memory of Cheeto. “The first time I saw Cheeto was biking late at night,” Berrato said. “Seeing Cheeto made me crash into my friend’s bike — he’s like a mystical being.”

Mystical being he is. He is a cat many students know of and are elated to see. “Cheeto is the sweetest most friendly cat I’ve met,” Aspen Valenzuela, a first-year biotechnology major, said. “He always lets you pet him.”

With a slightly cut ear, Cheeto may have the appearance of not being well taken care of, however, he’s doing well for himself — if not too well. One sign at the physics building explains that while people may worry for Cheeto, he’s actually cared for by student organizations and the UC Davis Veterinary School, and does not need any feeding, according to the UC Davis Magazine.

When asked for a comment on yet another win, Cheeto did not respond, opting to continue resting. “Meow,” Cheeto said from his bed of wood mulch.

Best sushi: Mikuni

burritos in 2009, but their immense popularity soon made them the star of the menu.

“The breakfast burrito makes up about 85% of our sales,” Moghaddam said.

Moghaddam explained that the menu is well-tailored to suit the customer demographic.

“The breakfast burrito and the ‘buy six, get one free’ are designed around what the college students want,” Moghaddam said.

The renowned breakfast burritos at Ali Baba come in two styles: regular (meat) and veggie. The traditional meat burrito includes two scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, gyro meat, french fries, locally sourced honey and Tapatio wrapped in a flour tortilla. The veggie burrito replaces meat with avocado, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms but includes the rest of the ingredients. Both are fully customizable and offer plenty of extra add-ins, such as feta cheese, chicken and falafel. Ali Baba’s breakfast burrito has become a staple for hungry college students in Davis. Following an early morning exam, Rojina Imani-Nejad, third-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major, always opts for the traditional breakfast burrito as is.

“I love how it’s ready just minutes

after ordering,” Imani-Nejad said. Jasmine Rodriguez, fifth-year civil engineering major, described the variety of Ali Baba’s menu and the benefits of both meal options.

“The menu is super easy to navigate and both of the breakfast burritos make great meals,” Rodrigez said. “The veggie is for when I want something a little more nutritious, and the regular meat is for when I want a hearty meal to carry me for the rest of the day.”

The breakfast burritos are wellportioned and only cost $10, making them the perfect meal for college students. Their neat wrapping makes them easy to enjoy, and customers can have their burritos cut in half.

Ali Baba offers a refreshingly simple and social anxiety-friendly ordering process. Customers can adjust their orders without the pressure of talking to cashiers or waiting in line.

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when the university was closed, Ali Baba remained one of the few restaurants in the area to keep its doors open.

“I looked into what I could do and found the kiosk buddy,” Moghaddam said. “I put those in, and it’s been great because now I don’t have to hire cashiers. I hired an extra cook so the kitchen has extra help.”

Moghaddam further explained the variety of benefits the kiosks bring to Ali Baba’s employees and customers.

“The kids sometimes have a lot on their minds,” Moghaddam said. “[The kiosks] make the process more clean, metaphorically speaking. This process benefits not only customers but also employees by preventing mix-ups.”

On April 8, Ali Baba opened a second location in Berkeley right next to the UC Berkeley campus.

“This one is a smaller location; I kept the menu simple, really only selling breakfast burritos and sides [to] give the people what they want,” Moghaddam said.

Moghaddam is deeply appreciative that Ali Baba was voted Best Burrito in Davis for the fourth time.

“I love Davis, and I love my customers,” Moghaddam said. “I’m indebted to them for supporting me. I am also very grateful to have my coworkers; without them, Ali Baba wouldn’t be what it is.”

This Japanese restaurant, located in the Davis Commons, was voted the best sushi restaurant in Davis

BY HANNAH SCHRADER features@theaggie.org

Mikuni was once again voted the best sushi restaurant in Davis, receiving 56.8% of votes. It is a Japanese-style restaurant located just off First and D Street in downtown Davis. Mikuni was founded in 1987 by Taro Arai in Fair Oaks, California, who had just recently emigrated from Kyushu, Japan. Arai became the reverend to the First Japanese Baptist Church in Sacramento shortly after moving to California. Arai came to the United States not knowing how to speak English but learned it through his years working at his parent’s restaurant. Though Arai didn’t have the privilege of getting a higher education, his kids were able to.

The Arai family owns Mikuni, which started as a small business 37 years ago and has flourished to become one of the most prominent businesses in Northern California with nine locations throughout the region. Chefs at Mikuni have created over 300 recipes, and the restaurant has won the Best in

Sacramento Readership survey 13 times consecutively.

In 2001, Mikuni started their sushi bus and became the only traveling sushi bar in the world. Then, in 2002, Mikuni launched their well-known interactive sushi-making class that teaches the basics of sushi making. In 2004, the “Koki Club” was launched as Mikuni’s very first loyalty program, and today, it has over 80,000 active members. The restaurant celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2022 and gave away a new Honda Civic. Though the restaurant’s philanthropy does not end there, Mikuni has raised over $3.5 million dollars for over 100 different charity organizations. “[Mikuni] firmly [believes] in giving back…to being a good neighbor… to assisting those in need in any way possible,” Mikuni’s website reads. Mikuni also accepts fundraiser requests on its website. Some of the organizations Mikuni has donated to include: Twin Lakes Food Bank, Child Advocates of Placer County, River City Food Bank, Alzheimer’s Aid Society and

from UC Davis students seeking reprieve from the quick-moving quarter system to out-of-towners who love Mikuni just as much as the Davis locals.

Melvina Smith, a materials and store supervisor, and Tajae Ramsey, an arts education and camp manager at the Kroc Center, enjoyed a meal at Mikuni and talked about the vibe of the restaurant. “Oh, it’s really good,” Smith said. “And we keep coming back because we live in Suisun, so we travel to come here.”

Smith and Ramsey then talked about their favorite rolls to order at Mikuni. “I really do like the flaming

Caption (Summer Sueki / Aggie)

SHAPIRO features@theaggie.org

Students crowned Ali Baba on 3rd Street the best breakfast burrito spot in downtown Davis. (Summer Sueki / Aggie)

Armadillo Music store is located on F Street, Downtown Davis. (Summer Sueki / Aggie)

Convince a prospective Aggie to commit to UC Davis. What makes Davis the best place to go to college?

UC Davis is underrated. Especially if you’re studying environmental sciences, ecology, agriculture or related subjects, come here! Academics are rigorous but not overly competitive. People are friendly. Downtown is small but vibrant, and other places — Sacramento, San Francisco, Tahoe — are close by! Plus, we have decent dining halls and cows. -A.L.

If you are looking for the best college town in California, Davis is perfect! You get the small-town, homey feel while still having a large campus and being close to everything! -C.S.

I was

Ah, so you’re thinking of committing to UC Davis. Well you’ve come to the right place. Sure when I see a tour group on campus I have to fight the urge to shout “RUNNN” but jokes aside, Davis is an amazing place to live because of its community. From the street performers playing violin as you walk past downtown to the local Ma and Pa stalls at the farmers market — Davis is local in a way many cities aren’t. Sure, the fact that Davis is a small city might make it seem like there is nothing to do here, but it is the people, not the size, that makes Davis the beautiful place it is. It truly is hard to not fall in love with this place and even though many of us may only call this home for four years — I count myself truly lucky to be a Davisite, no matter how short that time may be. -C.P.

I feel like Davis is really accessible to all kinds of niche interests, no matter what they may be. It’s a pretty unmatched vibe here; almost everyone I’ve met is so nice and welcoming, and even if it takes some time you’ll find people and groups that fit you. There’s a little bit of everything here, which makes Davis feel like a really unique and great community. I’m so glad I chose to go here and would definitely recommend choosing to be an Aggie! -Z.S.

It’s not that serious. -C.G.

Weirdest encounter with a TA or instructor outside of the classroom?

One time a cute guy from Tinder I had been talking to for a little while asked me to dinner at Mikuni. I said yes and was really excited for the date. While I was getting ready he texted me and asked if a couple other people could join us. I said sure thinking it was some friends or maybe a double date, but thought it was a little weird. When I showed up I saw the guy from Tinder sitting with 2 people who looked to be in their 50s.

Turns out they were his parents who were visiting for the weekend and they wanted to meet the girl he had been raving about. His mom talked about how great he was the whole time, so he and I never really got the chance to talk. He was nice I guess but I obviously never saw him again. -G.F. Went on a date with a guy and when he asked if I was an avid reader all I heard was “avid reader” and I thought he was talking about the store downtown.

My TA asked me out :’( -A.M.

Last picnic day me and my friends were talking really loudly about doing molly and then I

What do you wish you could tell your first-year self?

turned around and saw one of my professors walking behind us trying to hold back a laugh. -G.F.

It’s always weird when you see a professor or TA at a restaurant... and it’s even weirder when that happens multiple times. You just look away and pretend you don’t know them and hope they don’t recognize you. -A.L. I work at a grocery store, and

So when I answered “Omg yeah I love that place,” needless to say I was pretty embarrassed… -J.D. Not a tinder horror story but, this town is so goddamn small that me and my current girlfriend are double eskimo sisters. -L.G.

one night, my professor came through my line with nothing but 5 handles of vodka. He may have been throwing a party, or maybe he was really sad. I couldn’t tell. He remembered me and joked that he takes a shot for every A that he gives out on a paper. -L.F.

Share your Tinder horror stories of Davis.

I came to UC Davis dead-set on being a humanities major. But then I took BIS 002B (an introductory bio course about ecology) with Professor Laci Gerhart, and all of a sudden, I was an Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity major. Funny how that happens! -A.L.

When I first came to Davis I never planned on being a philosophy major. I had never read any of the Greeks, I couldn’t tell you anything

I was explaining to Dr. Steve Luck that I was interested in the intersection of psychology, linguistics, and statistics. He asked me point blank: Why aren’t you a Cognitive Science major? Thanks Steve! -A.M I chose anthropology because the classes listed on the major website sparked my interest and wonder the most. I love that I am studying humanity, cultures and people because I feel like it has allowed me to better understand and think more critically about myself and the world around me. It has helped me understand our evolutionary origins, our distinctiveness as a species, and the great diversity in our forms of social existence across the world and through time. The major has also given me lots of practice with writing and ethnographic work, which help me with my journalism and creative writing interest. I switched to anthropology after 2 years of being a biological sciences major and am somehow graduating on time! - Y.O.

about Nietzsche (except for the fact he had an epic mustache) and I knew nothing of symbolic logic — let’s be honest, I still don’t. But after this quarter, I will be four short units away from finishing my major. The first PHI class I took was philosophy of science, which was really just my way of avoiding the Science and Engineering GE requirement. It challenged me in a way a class never had, it left me with more questions than answers and it made me start to wonder one simple question: “why?” That’s what I love about my major, not because it will bring me higher paying jobs or the answers to my existential questions, but because it allows me to ask “why?” Asking why has also allowed me to become a better journalist, attempting to get to the truth of any story. I love my major and I’m grateful to my amazing friends and professors — shoutout to Dr. Thor and Prof. Sandoval — who have all inspired me to continue asking “why?” -C.P.

With

Café makes for the best coffee in Davis. Preferred by 27.7% of this year’s Best of Davis respondents, this coffee shop has everything from delicious coffee to the best vibes for both socializing and studying. Located in downtown Davis on 2nd Street, Mishka’s was founded in 1995 to create an environment that matches the atmosphere of old European cafes, according to their website. The name, Mishka’s, comes from the name of a “big black friendly cat,” to which the Mishka’s website

owes its success to. The coffee shop offers high-quality and freshly roasted beans and various teas for the non-coffee drinkers. They have a wide variety of lattes and an array of unique flavors such as their rose latte, lavender latte, turmeric latte and midnight mocha. The coffee shop also offers special drinks for the holidays.

Mishka’s is also known for their pastries and baked goods, with the majority being freshly made each morning. Some of their more popular pastries include the blueberry scone and the coffee crumble cake.

“We’re here almost every day,”

Jenny, a UC Davis graduate student in psychology said. “I get the white mocha every time.” Ria, a fourth-year human development major, believes that

Mishka’s is the perfect coffee shop for any occasion, whether it be for studying, catching up with friends or grabbing a bite to eat.

“You look around and there’s all sorts of people,” Ria said. “There’s always people on a first date, people who are studying or friends just hanging out. It’s just really a wonderful environment to be in.”

Ria continued to say that she likes Mishka’s especially because of their wide selection of teas.

“Usually, coffee shops don’t really value teas as much and that is why I like Mishka’s,” Ria said.

She concluded by discussing the warm environment created by the staff at Mishka’s.

“The staff is really friendly,” Ria said. “They are always super welcoming.”

I’m a double major in English (Critical Theory) and Political Science (Theory and American Gov) because I’m planning to go pre-law but I have always wanted to major in English. I love how much passion English majors have in their field, despite how people warn them against it since there’s this idea that finding jobs is hard in English. On the flip side, I love how argumentative political science students are, even arguing with profs regularly. -M.Y.

Why did you choose your major? What do you love about it?

chip, animal cracker and peanut butter pancakes with maple syrup. Previous winners, such as brigadeiro (a

to the next level in the competition.

“It’s a fun way to get the community involved,” Schmidt said. Flavors from the most recent Bracketology include chocolate potato

“It’s

made daily, with an emphasis on using local ingredients. Schmidt cites honey fig and goat cheese, along with orange blossom honey, as her favorite flavors. With its rotating menu and wide range of flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s clear why this communityoriented family business was chosen as Best Dessert Shop in Davis.

Two people enjoying fresh ice cream outside of the Davis Creamery. (Andrew Huang / Aggie)

Mishka’s Café offers a plethora of seating both indoors and outdoors, serving as the ideal location to study or catch up with a friend. (Jenna Lee / Aggie)

Best dumpling: Dumpling House

UC Davis students vote Dumpling House as favorite spot to satisfy a craving for dumplings

BY ARYAMAN BHATIA features@theaggie.org

Davis’ Dumpling House, located in downtown Davis at 129 E Street, was voted the best dumpling after receiving 60.5% of students’ votes.

Dumpling House, which has been a Davis staple for over 20 years, is known for its variety of dumpling options, such pork and chive, shrimp and pork. They also carry several options that cater to patrons’ various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian options like veggie or kimchi-filled dumplings.

Originally known as London Fish N Chips, Dumpling House also carries several options from their original menu, including their signature fish and chips and calamari.

Grace Hsu, a second-year managerial economics major, described why she loves frequenting Dumpling House and the personal connection she feels to the restaurant.

“I love eating Dumpling House’s food because it’s always so comforting to the soul,” Hsu said. “It reminds me of my mom’s cooking and it tastes authentic.”

Dumpling House is well-regarded by many community members for its

welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

Nina Moreno, a second-year cognitive science major, stated her thoughts about the restaurant’s atmosphere.

“Dumpling House is like a place of comfort for me,” Moreno said. “I really like dumplings in the cold weather or when you are having a bad day.”

Linda Liu, the owner of Dumpling House, learned how to make dumplings from her grandmother. She got her inspiration for founding the Davis location after traveling around Asia and noticing the widespread popularity of dumplings.

Liu developed her dumpling business to cater to the college audience by making her food affordable and accessible. Liu explained her favorite part about working her job.

“I feel like people, [including] all the workers, are so friendly,” Liu said. “Also, the customers are so friendly, too.”

Liu explained that her hope for the future is to increase business.

Dumpling House underwent a brief remodel after a fire in 2019 but has been reopened since March 2022. They also currently operate a stall at the weekly Saturday farmers market at Central Park, a Sacramento location and often make appearances at other Davis events.

Best date spot: Davis Farmers Market

The Davis Farmers Market is a favorite date spot, according to students

BY ELIZABETH WOODHALL features@theaggie.org

The Davis Farmers Market is a staple for anyone who has lived in Davis and serves as the heart of the city. Fresh produce and local vendors come together in Central Park every Wednesday and Saturday, making it easy for students and families to become involved in the community while doing their weekly grocery shopping. If you’ve ever been on a date in Davis, you know the options are pretty limited. Davis’ farmers market serves as the ideal date spot in Davis, and 40.4% of students agree.

The farmers market offers a spot for couples to have a relaxing Saturday morning getting some baked goods, having breakfast and buying produce to make a home-cooked meal together.

Catalina French, a fourth-year English major, shared that the farmers market allowed her and her partner to sit down, have breakfast and become involved in the Davis community early on in their relationship.

“I love the Davis Farmers Market,” French said. “I think when we first started going out, we would go for breakfast — that was our weekly routine as a couple. In the beginning of our relationship, we would go to the farmers market for breakfast and would just sit on the steps of Central Park and watch the community but also talk with each other. There are so many cute little kids and animals, and it feels like the heart of the Davis community. But yeah, definitely a date spot.” Joana Maria Rose, a fourth-year wildlife, fish and conservation biology major, shared that the farmers market is an ideal spot for couples as it helps them browse around while not

Best pizza: Woodstock’s

The college town staple takes the crown

BY OLIVIA HOKR features@theaggie.org

Students at UC Davis have selected Woodstock’s Pizza as the best pizza in Davis, receiving 45.5% of votes in the category. As a popular college town restaurant known for its atmosphere, drinks and most importantly, the pizza, it is no surprise that Woodstock’s is as much of a staple as it is.

In December 2022, Woodstock’s reopened in a new location at 238 G St. The location’s increased size while keeping the same aura as before the move attracts even more college students and Davis locals than ever before.

Maudi Gloria, the assistant general manager, has been at Woodstock’s for six years. She has admired the community

that is brought together by the pizza joint through weekly events and sports games. “It’s always so great when there’s a [sports] game,” Gloria said. “We see the same faces. Thursday nights, I know which people are coming in and I know what they’re going to order. I get to see them and check in on them.”

Gloria shared some of the deals they offer that make it a great option for college students, such as BOGO Mondays, pitcher deals and the student deal.

Zachary Ardzrooni, a third-year political science major, and frequent customer at Woodstock’s, explained why it has grown to become his favorite spot. “Me and my friends would go often for sporting events, but now we just go every Monday because of the weekly deals,” Ardzrooni said. “Woodstock’s captures the college experience and creates a fun time rather than just a typical place to eat.”

Woodstock’s offers a diverse menu with both classic and unique pizzas.

Sunny skies during the Davis Farmers Market at Central Park in Davis, California. (Summer Sueki / Aggie) produce.”

breaking the bank. “I’ve been on a couple of dates to the farmers market, and I think it’s an immaculate vibe,” Rose said. “I especially think it’s a great date, because it’s during the day, you can people watch, buy fresh produce and if you’re broke, you don’t have to spend money. Coffee dates are so boring, and the farmers market is not!” Seth Whiteaker, a fourthyear ecological management and restoration major, said that it was his favorite spot during the pandemic because it allowed him to make home-cooked meals and have the opportunity to become part of the community during quarantine. “Later into the pandemic when I began to go with my partner, you could really feel the community was extra pronounced with everyone there, all [of] the shops open and all [of] the people there,” Whiteaker said. “I grew up in Orange County, where all [of] the farmers markets have mostly vendors, which isn’t a bad thing, but it’s one of the reasons that Davis is just an amazing place to be since we’re right in the center of so much fresh

Additionally, the farmers market allows couples to make affordable meals with fresh produce, according to French.

“Organic fresh produce is usually restricted to people who have money, and as college students living together and paying astronomically high rent, it’s so hard to find places that are cheap and affordable,” French said. “We can go to the farmers market, because they allow us to use [Electronic Benefit Transfer] EBT, and they’re so accessible to families of color and low-income families. So, we made it our weekly ritual; like every Saturday during last year, we would go to the farmers market, and we would buy at least [one thing] for our weekly dinners.”

The Farmers Market offers couples a chance to make affordable meals, connect with the community and get out of the house to explore everything Davis has to offer. If you want to go on a date, look no further than this bustling market filled with local vendors, pets and fresh produce.

A fan favorite, according to Gloria, is the Kickin’ Carnitas, featuring southern chipotle sauce, slow marinated carnitas, crispy bacon, red onions and fresh cilantro.

“Our Kickin’ Carnitas probably stands out the most,” Gloria said. “Once you have it, you’re like ‘That’s the one I want.’ It’s just such a standout option that you don’t see at a lot of places.”

Woodstock’s is a place you go for the energy and experience and leave with the desire to return, yet again, at least for the pizza. Esther Song, a second-year biological sciences major, went to Woodstock’s for the first time for their weekly trivia night. After trying the Kickin’ Carnitas pizza, she has made it her go-to pizzeria.

“I was expecting just another pizza restaurant, you know?,” Song said. “I didn’t expect it to become such a significant part of living in Davis. This year I went to Woodstock’s to watch the Super Bowl because I knew it would be fun, and I don’t even like football.” Shah’s Halal Food, one of the most beloved food trucks on campus (by both students and faculty alike), took the top spot in this year’s “Best of Davis” by a significantly large margin — and it isn’t difficult to see why.

There are two Shah’s food trucks available for Davis residents, with one parked next to Trader Joe’s on Russell Boulevard and the other on campus, directly next to the Silo. Shah’s is the very first food truck to open on the UC Davis campus (circa 2009) and has been serving students for 15 years.

This year, practically every time I pass by Rock Hall and the Silo on my way to class, there are students lined up at the front of the truck or walking away

with a white takeout box and a smile on their faces. The truck is a bright red, with images of the various meals Shah’s has to offer along with special items and methods of payment — they even take Aggie Cash! Shah’s Halal Food is hailed consistently as reliable and convenient by students, especially because of their friendly nature and efficient service.

When I purchased a bowl of chicken over rice the other day, I was greeted with a friendly “hello,” and my order was finished in less than two minutes after the cashier swiped my card. That’s the type of speed that students tend to cherish, especially when they have another class to speed off to after lunch or a bus home to catch.

The food itself is incredibly delicious. Featuring and elevating Middle Eastern flavors, Shah’s combines

strong hot sauce for spice, sour cream for a creamy palette cleanser, shredded lettuce, meat and rice (or pita bread) to create a culinary masterpiece. The value and amount of food is exceptional for the price, and the bowl comes piping hot and aromatic.

Ultimately, Shah’s Halal Food is a food truck that customers are sure to place among the best for many years to come, due to their “variety of flavorful entrees geared toward both meat-eaters and vegetarians,” according to a past article from The California Aggie about a Shah’s Best of Davis win. Their well-balanced, colorful meals are a perfect way to boost your energy and replenish the nutrients that your body needs. From first-years to fourth-years to alumni — all fervently recommend a trip to this established location.

but to

this

all

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to making their

purchase. It is no surprise that with all the F Street Dispensary has to offer, students voted the shop the best dispensary in Davis.

the shop allows customers to link their phone number to an account and keep a record of all the products they’ve purchased in case they want to purchase it again. Customers can also link a card to the account and use it to make purchases as the store itself only accepts cash. F Street Dispensary

Located on E Street, Dumpling House offers a variety of Chinese foods from dumplings and eggs to popcorn chicken

Best hiking spot: Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve

The Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is Davis’ favorite place to hit the trail

BY SAVANNAH BURGER features@theaggie.org

Just 35 minutes west of Davis, the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is regarded by a plurality of 40% of the Best of Davis survey respondents as the best hiking spot in the area. The reserve is located in a northfacing canyon of the outer northern coast range and overlooks views of Sacramento, the Central Valley and Lake Berryessa. The reserve itself is owned and managed by the University of California Natural Reserve System, being an official UC Davis Nature Reserve. In addition to this, it’s a part of the Putah Creek State Wildlife Area, which includes 673 acres of habitats and land where Cold Creek and Putah Creek converge, not far from the Monticello Dam. Named after G. Ledyard Stebbins, the late plant geneticist, botanist and professor of UC Davis and Berkley, the reserve exists as a beautiful example of Stebbins’ legacy. Stebbins was the leading figure in plant evolution, and through his research with genetics proved that plants experience evolution just as other organisms such as animals do. A professor at Davis for 23 years, Stebbins was a beloved faculty member, naturalist and conservationist and published over

252 works. There are various hikes in the reserve that are suitable for both beginner and advanced hikers. There’s the Blue Ridge-Homestead Loop, which is five miles total, Annie’s Trail Loop, which is 2.75 miles total and 20 Nature Trails which are each one mile long one way. Keep in mind that each of these trails, as well as the whole reserve, do not allow dogs or mountain bikes. The reserve has a lot to offer naturewise: it has countless different habitats and terrains, ranging from foothill streams, riparian woodlands, lower montane chaparral, chamise chaparral, grasslands to blue oak woodlands. There are eight amphibian, 18 reptile, 43 mammal, 108 bird and 290 plant species present and thriving in this area. Not to mention that during

Best student organization: Students for Justice in Palestine

SJP has earned 40.6% of votes in this category

BY MARLE LAMOUNTRY features@theaggie.org

In the realm of student-led organizations advocating for social justice and human rights, few have garnered as much attention this year as the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) club. This group has become a beacon of hope for those seeking to address the ongoing injustices faced by Palestinians, helping the group win best student-run organization this year with 40.6% of votes from the students surveyed. The organization has led multiple protests throughout the year, emphasizing that community is at the core of advocacy for social justice and human rights. The members of the community have used their voice to condemn complacency in the genocide and occupation of the Palestinian people, and have also held vigils to honor those who have been martyred. Outside of protests, they also focus on ensuring the student population is knowledgeable about the latest news, as well as the history of the conflict through info nights, movie screenings

and the use of social media platforms. Eric Thao, a fourth-year history major, commented on the impact of the club. “SJP at UC Davis has had tremendous efforts in bringing awareness [to] and fighting against the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people,” Thao said.

One of the most notable actions SJP has achieved through their efforts this year was the passing of a bill in the student-run ASUCD Senate that prevents the $20 million ASUCD budget from being spent on companies considered “complicit in the occupation and genocide of Palestinians,” as decided by the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement. UC Davis’ student government became the first of the UCs to pass a resolution in line with the BDS movement, and this was followed by a similar resolution of divestment by the student government at UCLA soon after. You can find more details on the club’s Instagram at @sjpatucd.

Best late night snack: In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out provides affordable food with a lively late-night atmosphere

BY LORENA ALVAREZ features@theaggie.org

In-N-Out is a favorite at UC Davis not only for its late hours of operation — 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. — but also because of the quality of its food. Whether students are looking for a late-night snack or a meal after a long day of studying, In-N-Out is there to provide excellent service at a reasonable price.

Melanie Maldonado, a first-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major, explained why she thought InN-Out won “best late night snack” with a leading 32.6% vote for the fifth time in eight years.

“It’s one of the few places that’s open later at night and they have efficient service. The quality of the food is still really good regardless of when you go,” Maldonado said. “Most of the fast food places that are open are the big food chains and I feel like In-N-Out is one of the higher quality foods that doesn’t make you feel icky afterward.”

Maldonado went on to recall a fond memory she has of In-N-Out, depicting how a fast food restaurant can be a place of community for UC Davis students. “The first time I visited In-N-Out in Davis, I was with my dad when he dropped me off for school. Everybody was sitting with their parents so it was kind of nice to see everyone getting dropped off,” Maldonado said. “It was kind of sad but it made me realize that everybody’s just going through the same thing. So it’s like we’re all going through this together.”

When asked what makes In-NOut stand out from other fast food restaurants, Alec Gossage, a fourthyear cinema, digital media and communications major commented on the “speed” of the service. “It’s still fast when it’s late instead of being slow like most places in Davis,” Gossage said. Tania Shahvali, a fourth-year pharmaceutical chemistry major, noted In-N-Out’s quality control. “They have factories that produce their meat in California [and Texas] and they cannot have stores outside of a certain radius,” Shahvali said. “This means that all of their stores get the same fresh meat, [so] you will get the same quality food at whichever In-NOut location you go to.” Shahvali went on to address In-NOut’s location, noting its proximity to the frat houses and its drive-through. “I’ve gone to In-N-Out after some frat parties and it’s right [near some of the houses] so people normally just walk there, right from the frat houses,” Shahvali said. “[The drive-through] is a pretty bad setup. [...] but I think its location and its good service at 1 am is one of its best things.”

When out on the reserve, look out for the abundant wildlife that resides there. Right now, during early spring, it is one of the best times of the year to spot rare birds during their migration. The Cold Canyon basin itself boasts 50% of all of California’s regularly occurring bird species, impressive for such a small area. If you want to get the best of the birds, arrive at the reserve at the break of light to hear the birds’ harmonious dawn chorus. Be sure to check it out before the season is over, less you have to wait until fall for the next migration. When hiking, you can also spot larger mammals, such as the Virginia

opossum, striped skunk, raccoon, coyote, bobcat, black-tailed deer and the mountain lion. Be aware of that last one — mountain lions are known to be active throughout the reserve, so it’s a sound idea to hike in groups of two or more and keep children close.

Don’t sleep on this beautiful hiking area. Over 65,000 people pay a visit to the reserve annually. It’s a popular sight for field trips for K through 12 students and for field courses students can take here at UC Davis.

Doubling as both a hiker’s paradise and a place for insightful research, the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve can be enjoyed by residents of Davis and beyond. What are you waiting for? Put on those hiking boots and get going!

Best local band: Cowboys After Dark

The band feels honored to be recognized by the Davis community and is excited to continue putting on great shows

BY GRETA FOEHR features@theaggie.org

Cowboys After Dark, a local sevenperson band known for their exciting covers of well-known songs across genres and eras, is the most popular band in Davis, according to 63.2% of surveyed UC Davis students.

Cowboys After Dark stands out in a variety of ways, and to those who have seen them play, it is no surprise that they won this category.

Rosie Mendoza, a third-year English major who plays trumpet in the band, explained that they are different from most bands because they have three melodic instruments: the trumpet, the saxophone and vocals. This means that they will usually only play one of those at a time, creating the opportunity for a lot of solos and captivating musical battles between melodic instruments.

Bernadette Grace, a third-year biological sciences major and lead singer of the band, explained that, because they have a seven-piece band, everyone gets to specialize and really hone in on their part. In addition to perfecting their sound, they put an intentional effort into creating a positive energy at their shows.

“I think something special that we have is that we’re performing as seven best friends who hang out all the time,” Grace said. “We’re kind of fearless, if that makes sense. We go up and we just try stuff, and we take crazy solos. There’s no fear because we trust each other so much, and I think it makes for a really fun show.”

From production value to audience engagement, Cowboys After Dark knows how to put on a show for their listeners. Mason Johnstone, a third-year biological sciences major and the band’s drummer, described the unique energy of their shows.

“You don’t just come to listen to the music,” Johnstone said. “You come to watch what we do, whether it’s [Mendoza] and Jacob [the saxophone player] running out into the crowd or the audience kickline.”

These are just some examples of traditions that the band implemented to keep the audience engaged and increase the production value of their performances. While the members of Cowboys after Dark enjoy performing for the audience, the band also enjoys performing for themselves. Mendoza said that her favorite part about being in the band is arranging their covers to fit every member’s talent and skills.

“It’s fun just to strip down the song and try to figure out how we can make it sound good with the horns and [the rest of our instruments],” Mendoza said.

While Mendoza enjoys the process of picking out songs, Grace described the joy of meeting people who come to the show.

“People love to just come up to us afterward and talk to us about music and playing live and that sort of stuff,” Grace said. “Meeting those people is super, super awesome.”

Johnstone highly values getting the chance to play with other talented and passionate musicians.

“Just being able to play in itself is just an absolute gift, it’s one of my favorite things,” Johnstone said. The band feels honored to have been voted the best local band and appreciates the support the Davis community provides. The award reaffirms all of the hard work they put into their music and encourages them to keep moving forward with the band.

“It’s reassuring and also motivating for our upcoming shows because we’re putting a lot of planning into them,” Mendoza said. “So it’s nice to know that there are some people out there that think we’re the best band and will always support us.”

After winning Best Local Band, Johnstone is motivated to continue working hard to impress the Davis community.

“It makes me want to sit down at [my] practice pad and just practice even more and get even better,” Johnstone said.

Johnstone and Eric Aguilar, the band’s guitarist, have been playing music together in Davis since they were 12 years old when they met at Rock Band University, making their Best of Davis win extra sweet.

“I’m very glad that I get to do what I love with awesome people that I love to hang out with and I love to have as my friends,” Johnstone said. “And to have other people enjoy it just is icing on top.”

Grace feels especially thankful for the recognition from the Davis community.

“It’s so sweet to know that people like [our music] and have fun when they come see us, and that we are playing a part in getting people to come out for live music in Davis and support musicians,” Grace said. “It means so much.”

Cowboys After Dark knows what it takes to put on a great show, and they will continue to impress Davis with their musical expertise and vibrant energy. For more information about the band and their upcoming live shows, visit @cowboysafterdark on Instagram.

Jaylynn Velhagen-Dizon,

more affordable pricing, it is important to note that it is not veganfriendly. Customers can request veggie burgers or french fries but should still beware of the potential for cross-contamination. That said, it is an excellent late-night spot for college students looking for quick and affordable service as well as company from fellow late-night snackers.

View of Lake Berryessa from the peak of Blue Ridge Trail Loop in Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, winner of Best Hiking Spot. (Courtesy / Yasmeen O’Brien) the spring, the blooming California wildflowers are a must-see.

a fourthyear digital media and English double major, further spoke on In-N-Out’s quality and affordable pricing. “I love that it’s cheap,” VelhagenDizon said. “I think that a lot of fast food,

Student-run organization: Students for Justice in Palestine tables at the Memorial Union Quad. (Aggie File)

Best study spot: Shields Library

Peter J. Shields Library voted the best study spot

BY SABRINA FIGUEROA features@theaggie.org

The Peter J. Shields Library is a staple of UC Davis, providing students with free resources that range from academic tutoring to sources for researching niche interests. The library holds 3.2 million volumes, making it the largest library in Yolo County and the third largest in the University of California system.

With 350,000 square feet of space — and an almost endless amount of study areas — the library is an ideal studying spot to get all kinds of work done whenever you need it. Whether students need to “lock in” for exams or simply read, the campus population appreciates Shields Library, securing 52% of the votes for Best Study Spot in this year’s Best of Davis survey.

Open from 7:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on most days of the week, with weekend hours being slightly shorter, Shields Library gives both the early birds and night owls time to use its resources.

Although the library closes at night, there is still a 24-hour study room with a separate entrance that students may utilize at any time. Many students needing to pull all-nighters to study, or even just students who work better at night, deeply value this resource.

“I study at the library pretty often, almost every day,” Meidy Chirios, a fourth-year political science major, said.

“I usually go to the 24-hour study room and spend two hours [there] every time I study [at Shields Library].”

Shields Library’s lively, populated atmosphere leaves room for both conversation and quiet study time. Chirios shared that she usually chooses to study at the library because she likes to be around people, especially because everyone else is also working hard.

Alyssa Hu, a second-year microbiology major, also expressed the same point of view.

“I think the vibe is just right, like, other people are on the grind and it makes me get in the mood for studying. [Plus], I hate studying at home because

Best Egghead: Bookhead

The beloved sculpture in front of Shields Library serves as both a prominent landmark and outlet for student protest

BY EMME DUNNING features@theaggie.org

It is almost impossible to talk about UC Davis without talking about some of the most iconic art installations it houses: the Eggheads. Seven ‘egghead’ sculptures dot the college campus and span five different locations, each installation with its own distinct title.

In this year's Best of Davis survey, the student-favorite Bookhead secured 42.6% of the votes.

Since its installation in front of Shields Library, Bookhead has become a fixture in the UC Davis community. In addition to being a popular site for photos, some believe that simply rubbing or kissing its head can bring students good luck before their finals. As this school year marks the 30th anniversary of the completion of the Egghead project — in what the administration has deemed “Year of the Eggheads” — students and faculty celebrate the unique sculptures through merch, tours and even a website (eggheads.ucdavis.edu). Commissioned by UC Davis to create a series of public sculptures, local artist Robert Arneson designed, constructed and placed each Egghead strategically. Although the pieces have largely been embraced by the UC Davis administration, their original intention was actually a critique of the university itself. Colloquially, “egghead” refers to a highly educated person who is seen as out of touch with reality and often lacking in critical self-awareness. Bookhead embodies this sentiment particularly well as his face is completely buried in a book, representing both faculty and students who find themselves completely consumed by their studies and, like Bookhead, unable to see the world around them.

Ben Batom, a recent UC Davis alum with a degree in studio art and

then I just want to sleep, and going to a cafe is really nice too, but then I feel like I have to buy a drink,” Hu said.

Sometimes you may even find that the library has lulls where, for a couple weeks, it’s pretty empty and the lively atmosphere disappears. That is, until the dreaded midterm and finals seasons creep up, which drives students back. Hu explained that she typically goes to Shields Library to study about once a week, but tends to go a lot more during midterms and finals weeks.

“It gets so crowded [during exam seasons] that sometimes I have to wander around for a while. The basement usually has some seats open [during this time] but it's really hot in there,” Hu said.

However, if you don’t like to be bothered by chattiness — or people in general — and are in need of some intense studying, remember that the library consists of five floors that all have available seating. You’re almost always guaranteed to find somewhere to sit.

There are even different areas on

In front of Shield’s Library lies the “Bookhead,”

museum studies, dedicated much of his time at the university to studying these sculptures. As part of an on-campus internship with the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, Batom conducted a research project surrounding the art installations and what makes them particularly unique. “They don’t shy away from critiquing the place in which they’re installed,” Batom said. “The eggheads are site-specific installations, so they very much interact with the spaces in which they’re involved, and Bookhead is a great example of that.”

This interaction goes far beyond graduation photos and a site for Chancellor Gary May’s “Thursday Thoughts.” The Eggheads have long been seen as a vessel for students to voice their opinions about campus, community and world events. In 2016, following a 2011 incident involving the pepper spraying of student protesters by campus police and a subsequent cover-up by the administration, graffiti appeared on the

Best restaurant: Guads Tacos & Beer

The downtown restaurant proves to be a favorite among UC Davis students

BY BENJAMIN CARRILLO features@theaggie.org

Guads Tacos & Beer was voted as Best Restaurant in Davis by the majority of this year’s Best of Davis survey respondents. This 3rd Street restaurant received 38% of the student-body vote and is known for its good vibes and close proximity to campus. Guads is owned by two brothers, Rigo and Chris Hernandez, and was created in July 2021. The restaurant was designed with a college student audience in mind after the brothers noted the larger college student population in the Davis area. The restaurant is also a branch of two Taqueria Guadalajara restaurants, which are also located in Davis.

After seeing the popularity of the Taqueria Guadalajara restaurants among college students, the brothers decided to make a restaurant with a name that was more modernized and closer to the campus itself. The name, Guads, was inspired by the name that students often call Taqueria Guadalajara.

“I’m so proud of the name that we’ve made for ourselves in Davis,” Rigo said. “I feel proud of what we’re doing in the town, and for the college kids as a whole.” Where Guads differentiates itself from the sister locations of Taqueria

Guadalajara is in the selection of alcohol and the general atmosphere. While Taqueria Guadalajara is a place that keeps all audiences in mind, Guads is a place that is specifically geared toward the younger crowd. The restaurant offers a number of beers on tap, both inside and outside seating and an environment that promotes socializing. The location even offers exclusively brewed beers, such as the Guads Blonde Ale. Max Wozniak, a first-year aerospace and mechanical engineering major, talked about the reasons why he enjoys Guads over other restaurants in Davis.

“I love the atmosphere, [and] I feel as if the employees there really care about who I am,” Wozniak said. “Not to mention it doesn’t break the bank like other restaurants around Davis.”

Despite the name, the place isn’t known for just tacos and has a wide variety of Mexican cuisine that can satisfy any craving.

“My order definitely depends on how hungry I am, but, normally, I go for a regular burrito with chicken,” Wozniak said. “If I’m feeling extremely hungry, I'll go for a chicken quesadilla.

Guads is definitely a restaurant that strives for quality, and it shows in all the food they make.”

Next time you’re craving a taco, a beer or free chips and salsa after class, head on over to Guads Tacos &

each floor that allow only a certain amount of noise such as “collaboration zones,” “silent study spaces” and “quiet conversation spaces,” as well as group study rooms that you can reserve online.

“My favorite thing about the library is that there are private sections that you can study in individually, like the desks with cubbies,” Chirios said.

The infamous “cubby desks” are desks that have privacy panels around them, giving the illusion that you’re in an enclosed space. They’re great for doing intense and quiet studying — or even taking a secret, deserving nap during exam seasons.

While the majority of students go to the library for their study needs, there are lots of students who appreciate its other services as well.

“Everything here is pretty close together. For example, if I need a printer, I can just go down to the basement level and print out what I need,” Chirios said. “It’s just really convenient.” Resources include but are not limited to: printing, scanning and

copying stations; a plentiful amount of charging ports and portable chargers; desktop computers; special exhibits that change every three to six months; archives and collections of rare books, pamphlets, photographs and many more.

Some may even argue an important asset to the library is all of the different settings it provides. Hu emphasized the value of having the opportunity to complete various tasks in the many environments of Shields Library.

“I like how there are so many areas with a different ambiance,” Hu said. “Sometimes I just want to sit at a window with some sun and sometimes I want a big table with a TV for small meetings. There's everything there.”

Best Davis-specific Instagram account: @cheetodaily

The Instagram account features Cheeto, the campus cat, and his daily adventures

BY MADISON PETERS features@theaggie.org

Eggheads reading “Fire Katehi.” This was in reference to UC Davis’ thenChancellor Linda Katehi’s response to the incident by Linda Katehi. More recently, in Oct. 2023, Bookhead was graffitied with the message “Free Palestine,” echoing student outcry and protest for a ceasefire in the region.

“They’ve been graffitied on a lot of times,” Batom said. “They’re kind of a site of protest, a site of social justice. It’s just another way students have created a campus story around the eggheads. Protest is a huge part of the Eggheads.

I think Robert Arneson intended that by making them and putting them on a college campus.”

This sentiment is substantiated by Arneson himself, who, upon completion of Bookhead, wrote a letter to his art dealers, George Adams and Allan Frumkin, with photos of the piece attached. It reads: “Enclosed you will find some photos of ‘Bookhead’ shot on the day we completed painting its surface. Now it's ready for students to enrich it I'd say.” And enrich it, they do.

The Instagram account @ cheetodaily, dedicated to the beloved campus cat Cheeto, has won Best DavisSpecific Instagram Account. With 32.6% of the vote, the orange tabby beat many popular Davis Instagram accounts such as @ucdfits.

The account has a whopping 11.8 thousand followers and 1,251 posts and counting. Created back in 2019, the account’s popularity has only skyrocketed since, according to a past article from The California Aggie.

The account showcases this friendly feline’s day-to-day adventures on campus, most of which consist of his two favorite activities: lounging in the sun and getting attention. Cheeto has been around campus since 2011 and is taken care of by the Physics Department, according to the UC Davis website.

Fiona McInnes-Messamer, a thirdyear psychology major and avid follower of @cheetodaily, commented on her appreciation for the Cheeto posts.

Best ASUCD unit: Unitrans

Unitrans celebrated its 56th birthday and 100 millionth rider this year

“I first followed the Cheeto Instagram account freshman year,” McnInnes-Messamer said. “Since then, it’s been a great account to look at when I’m having a rough day or feel sad and need something to make me smile.”

Although Cheeto has been spotted all around campus, his favorite spot is by the Physics Building. Zoe Hareng, a fourth-year neuroscience major, spoke of her fondness for Cheeto.

“Every time I go to my physics class, I look for Cheeto,” Hareng said. “I literally take the long way to his little area to see if I can find him. One time, I found him and he was loafing, and it was the cutest thing ever.”

Anyone who spots Cheeto on campus is encouraged to send photo submissions via Direct Message, according to the biography of the account.

When asked to comment on his fame as a social media influencer, Cheeto refused and decided to take a nap instead.

Cheeto continues to bring happiness to the Davis community, and the posts are intended to help spread his love.

“Posting daily pics/vids to help you destress!” the account’s biography reads.

BY SYDNEY AMESTOY features@theaggie.org

Students board the F line bus. (Jenna Lee / Aggie) said. “There’s been a lot of crowding on the buses this year, and I know that’s made some people not very happy with our service.”

Unitrans has been voted Best ASUCD Unit with 29.6% of the vote. The bus service was founded in 1968 by ASUCD and has been connecting students and the Davis community to both the campus and city for decades. This partnership between Unitrans and the city of Davis came to be in the 1970s, according to Jeffery Flynn, the Unitrans general manager.

This 2023 to 2024 academic year specifically saw numerous milestones for the transportation service as the unit celebrated both its 56th birthday as an organization and recently held a celebration for its 100 millionth rider this past February. “[Unitrans] projected out when we would be carrying that 100 millionth

rider,” Flynn said. “We selected a random, representative bus that would bring in that 100 millionth rider, and we randomly handed everybody on that bus a gift bag of things.” Flynn went on to say that people all over campus and in the community donated gift cards and goodies to everyone on the bus.

“One of those gift bags had a golden ticket, and the golden ticket holder was entitled to [...] more stuff from the community,” Flynn said. “So, they got over about $250 worth of gift cards and other things.”

Unitrans continues to look for student employees to fill in numerous positions across the organizations, including student drivers, according to Flynn. “We're still about 20% below service levels from before the pandemic,” Flynn

Flynn described that, in order to help resolve this issue, the unit will need to hire more student drivers to get back to full service.

“We’re still hoping to restore service to pre-pandemic levels,” Flynn said. “[This] will make the service more frequent and more comfortable for everybody.”

Flynn concluded the conversation with the sentiment that students should consider bus driving as a campus job.

“We thank everyone for their patience this year, and we really encourage people to get there to apply to be a driver or get their friends to apply to be drivers,” Flynn said. “It’s one of the highest-paid jobs on campus.”

the first Egghead installed in 1991. This Egghead is said to provide students with good luck during exams if they kiss or rub the sculpture’s head. (Maia Zhu / Aggie)

Best GE class: GEL 025, Geology of National Parks

A look into this year’s best general education course, according to students

BY ZOEY MORTAZAVI features@theaggie.org

Even if you do not consider yourself a particularly outdoorsy person, national parks are something that people from all walks of life can appreciate. This year, the Best of Davis award for UC Davis’ best general education (GE) course was granted to GEL 025: Geology of National Parks. This course is taught by Professor David Osleger, who has expressed a long-time love for national parks and the geologic time frame behind them. He typically teaches the course, which meets three days a week in 50-minute lecture periods, during fall or spring quarter, and many students take it for GE science and engineering credit. After the course received the award, Osleger spoke on his class philosophy.

“I’m thrilled to hear that students have this kind of feedback about the class,” Osleger said. “The common denominator is, almost everyone loves national parks, and [almost] everyone loves being outside. My philosophy, which I always talk about in class, is this: Wouldn’t it be nice to go to these national parks and actually understand a little bit about where they came

from? My ultimate goal is for you guys to take road trips and go see some of these places for yourselves.”

Receiving 30.2% of votes in a tight race for this category, GEL 025 won against some of Davis’ longest-

running, most popular GE courses, including ECH 001: Design of Coffee and GEL 012: Evolution & Paleobiology of Dinosaurs. Osleger stressed that there are no prerequisites for the course; ideally,

Best student resource center: Student Community Center

The popular campus center supports students of various backgrounds, both socially and academically

BY LYNN CHEN features@theaggie.org

“Student Community Center” ––the name implies it all. The building, also called the SCC, is a safe space for all students. It houses various life centers and academic services, such as the Cross Cultural Center (CCC), LGBTQIA+ Resource Center, AB540 and Undocumented Student Center and the Undergraduate Resource Center, to support and empower students of various communities.

You can also find the CoHo South Cafe on the first floor to relax in as well as interesting club events hosted in the conference rooms to look out for. Additionally, the computer lab on the second floor provides a quiet space for students to work in.

“The [SCC] feels sort of small when you walk into the lobby compared to some other buildings on campus, but it’s actually a large building once you get into each of the centers,” Janna Tolla, director of student unions, said. “[Each center has] a lot of great space, but it’s nice because there’s still a tightknit community.”

According to Tolla, the design of the building, with the individual student centers branching out from a single lobby, creates a shared space for people to comfortably study and socialize in.

Furthermore, the common spaces within the SCC are also places in which students can freely express themselves and discover their own community.

“Walking by rooms [in the SCC], you can hear others finding a space to really vocalize their feelings, and coming together to discuss everything and really process and think,” Madeline Galan, a fourth-year psychology major and the CCC’s resource coordinator, said. “That’s really important for communities.”

Each resource center works hard to educate, support and foster inclusivity within the different communities that they’re dedicated to. Tolla explained that these centers advocate for students on their behalf, get students the academic support they need and connect them to helpful resources around campus. For instance, the CCC hosts workshops and discussions to learn about the diverse cultural backgrounds present on campus and how these backgrounds might intersect.

“[Our events] help you learn about other people’s cultures, but you can also learn more about your own culture,” Ritu Goyal, a thirdyear cognitive science major and the

Asian American and Pacific Islander community coordinator at the CCC, said. “I think [these events] promote open-mindedness, inclusivity and cultural diversity.”

The physical space of the SCC was intentionally designed to create a comfortable atmosphere for students to be in.

A neutral color palette is utilized on the furniture, accessories and architecture of the inside of the building, a characteristic that Kerry Raffetto, assistant director for student unions pointed out.

“In the main shared spaces of the building, we really work to keep it as a very calming environment for students,” Raffetto said.

The SCC also provides “reflection rooms,” which are quiet rooms for people to pray, meditate or reflect in. Raffetto emphasized the value of this resource center.

“[The SCC] is truly just a place for people to connect, study and take a break,” Raffetto said.

Joe Johnson, a Trader Joe’s crew member of over two years, said that while he is very appreciative, he is not surprised that Trader Joe’s won Best Grocery Store. He chalks it up to its proximity to campus and the friendly environment of the store.

“People are just more excited to

be there [than other grocery stores],” Johnson said. Johnson also shared that there’s never a dull moment at the store, and that you must be prepared for anything while on shift.

“I once had a roach crawl on my arm from a customer’s bag that they brought from home,” Johnson said. “So, that turned me off a little bit [from customers bringing their own bags].”

The positive work environment Trader Joe’s fosters is a main reason why Johnson enjoys working there; he values his fellow crew members and has become close with them.

“I transferred to Davis from junior college and didn’t really get a chance to make a lot of friends outside of work,” Johnson said. “So for me, my coworkers became my group of friends in a way that I haven’t experienced

students should come equipped with an interest in nature and the outdoors, but nothing beyond that is required.

After taking this class, students should gain an in-depth understanding of how some of our world’s most iconic natural locations came to be. Osleger hopes that exposure to some of this knowledge will help grant students a deeper appreciation for nature and its functions.

“All that being said, this is a college GE class; maybe you get some credit for it, maybe you have a good time, and maybe you learn something while you’re in it,” Osleger said. “But maybe more importantly: you guys are 20 years old. You have 60 to 80 years — maybe a little more — left to visit these places. I know it sounds ridiculous, but pretty soon many of you are going to be visiting them with your kids or your grandkids.” Osleger wholeheartedly believes in the long-term value this course holds for students.

“To me, I love teaching this class because it’s the ultimate lifelong learning,” Osleger said. “So this is information, knowledge, awareness and a little bit of geologic understanding that can stay with you for a long time in your lives. To me,

that has a lot of value.”

Mikaela Abella, a first-year marine and coastal science major, took GEL 025 in fall quarter of 2023 and shared some of her thoughts on the course.

“I took this class because the course sounded unique, and I grew up going to national parks, so I was interested in learning more about them,” Abella said. “It ended up being my favorite class at UC Davis. Professor Osleger does a really great job at keeping the material engaging and it sparked a lot of inspiration to plan my own national park trips, which is one of the main things he wants his students to take away from the class.”

Abella recommends this course to anyone interested in the subject of national parks or just for anyone who is looking for a science-based GE course.

“I would definitely recommend this class to everyone I know, and I’ve talked to a ton of people about it already,” Abella said. “It’s such an interesting course. It’s a manageable workload, and it’s really helped to grow my appreciation for the outdoors, which is everything to me at the end of the day.”

Best graduation photo spot: West Quad road

Students have selected West Quad road as the best place to take graduation photos

BY CAROLYN (CARI) FENN features@theaggie.org

For many students, a common way to commemorate their undergraduate experience is to get dressed up, grab a bottle of champagne and their cap and gown and travel around UC Davis to take graduation photos. While there are a plethora of beautiful spots all around the UC Davis campus, this year students voted “West Quad road” as the Best Graduation Photo Spot.

At some point, every UC Davis student has either seen, biked or walked down the road situated between the Memorial Union and Wellman Hall. Lined with beautiful oak trees, it is no surprise that graduates love to make the road one of their main backdrops for graduation pictures.

“In my opinion, it kind of represents Davis as a whole,” UC Davis alum Dominique Pajaro, a graduation photographer who earned a degree in landscape architecture, said. “Davis is surrounded by nature and beautiful trees, and this spot helps illustrate that in such a beautiful way.” Pajaro elaborated further on how the road presents an ideal backdrop for graduation photos, with her background in landscape architecture adding an extra layer of knowledge on

with other jobs.”

Johnson’s experience working for Trader Joe’s has undoubtedly enriched his life: from new friends to being unexpectedly but often entertained on the job, Trader Joe’s checks all of the boxes as a working environment.

The iconic grocery store is also famous for creating an inviting environment that keeps customers coming back for more.

Simone Haggerty, a fourth-year ecological management and restoration major, shops at Trader Joe’s every week and has done so throughout her time at UC Davis. She agreed with Johnson that the store’s positive atmosphere improves her shopping experience.

“I think [Trader Joe’s is] a great environment,” Haggerty said. “I always run into friends there, and all [of] the

are really nice. It’s good vibes.”

cashiers

The West Quad road is a popular place for graduation photos. (Jenna Lee / Aggie)

Located close to campus, Trader Joe’s is the favored grocery store for UC Davis students. (Jenna Lee / Aggie)

Across from the Silo, the Student Community Center is home to a variety of resource groups, including the Cross Cultural Center and the Strategic Asian and Pacific Islander Retention Initiative. It is a hub for student diversity, with various resources for students to utilize. (Maia Zhu / Aggie)

SPORTS

March Madness finale attracts recordbreaking audience

Women’s basketball champions crowned

BY EMMÍA J RIVERA sports@theaggie.org

This year’s Women’s March Madness brought together the country’s best collegiate women’s basketball teams. The tournament consisted of many thrilling matches, including unforgettable plays, broken records and hard-earned recognition of women in sports worldwide.

Across three weeks of singleelimination games, the tournament

of 64 quickly culminated in a championship game that significantly influenced women’s college basketball. Averaging approximately 18.7 million viewers, the final contest drew a larger television audience than the men’s for the first time in history. The tournament leaders from the beginning were the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes, with both coming in as the No. 1 seeds from opposite sides of the bracket. The Gamecocks and the Hawkeyes each made monumental runs throughout

the tournament, dominating all of their opponents. Their championship game was a rematch after last season’s semi-final game where Iowa secured the victory. Putting their record to the test against the Hawkeyes and the NCAA all-time leading scorer, Caitlin Clark, the unbeaten Gamecocks were favored to win the national title. Courtesy of her impressive scoring ability all over the court and especially beyond the three-point line, Clark consistently delivered successful performances, turning heads toward the tournament and solidifying her reputation as one of the top players in the nation.

South Carolina stars Kamilla Cardoso and MiLaysia Fulwiley were leaders of a strong roster throughout the season, but it truly was a team effort when it came to the ultimate game. Led by Head Coach Dawn Staley and driven by a winning record that exhibited only three losses in the last three seasons, the Gamecocks continued their triumphant legacy with their biggest victory yet. In the

UConn dynasty continues its reign

UConn men’s basketball defeats Purdue to win their second NCAA title in a row

BY DIEGO CERNA sports@theaggie.org

The UConn Huskies faced off against the Purdue Boilermakers in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s National Basketball Championship on April 9, capping off the 2024 season. The title game was held at State Farm Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The game was seen by over 74,000 spectators in person and 18.4 million viewers across the nation.

After a disappointing loss to 16thseeded Fairleigh Dickinson University last season, Purdue was the number one seed looking for redemption and their first national championship win in school history.

On the other hand, after defeating San Diego State in last year’s title game, UConn looked to repeat as national champions. The game featured the matchup of Purdue’s fourth-year Zach Edey and UConn’s second-year Donavan Cligan for a stellar battle.

With Edey and Cligan both over seven feet tall, this game marked the first time two seven-footers faced off in an NCAA Championship game since the duel in 1984 of Georgetown’s Patrick Ewing and Houston’s Hakeem Olajuwon, both acknowledged as National Basketball Association (NBA) legends today. Edey, earlier named the Naismith National player of the year, has been the most significant factor in Purdue attaining the number-one seed for the past two years in the Big 10 Conference. The two number-one seeds were looking to cement their place in March Madness history. The game started with back-andforth action that kept the score fairly close throughout the first half, with UConn holding a mere six-point lead at halftime. Cligan found himself in early foul trouble, which allowed Edey to dominate the court early on. Continuing to keep control, Edey and Purdue second-year guard Braden Smith kept the Boilermakers within a close distance of the Huskies, scoring

25 out of 30 total points for Purdue. Despite a small deficit in the first half, the second half was commanded by UConn. A substantial streak from the start and an 11-4 run by UConn led to a 16-point lead around the halfway point of the third quarter. Edey started to wear down as the half proceeded, and the Boilermakers struggled to find offensive production from their supporting cast. Other than Edey, the Boilermakers shot nine out of 29 from the field. The defensive prowess and size of UConn guards fifth-year Tristan Newton, fifth-year Cam Spencer and first-year Stephon Castle helped limit supporting Purdue players from making an impact, as they only allowed one three-pointer in the entire game.

During the game, Newton had 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds that led the Huskies to victory. Newton was also awarded the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player Award in their prior win against Alabama. Edey scored the most out of any player with a total of 37 points on

15 of 25 field goals and 10 rebounds, recording his 30th double-double of the season. Castle finished with 14 points, while Spencer contributed 11 points. Cligan managed to put up an efficient 11 points by making five out of eight shots. Although Edey aided his team significantly, the final score was 75-60, with UConn being named champions yet again. The last collegiate team to win back-to-back NCAA basketball championships was Florida in 2006 to 2007. The team featured NBA players such as Joakim Noah, Mareese Speights, Al Horford and Corey Brewer. Just coming off of the championship game, Edey, Cligan, Castle and Newton all look forward to potentially being selected in the 2024 NBA draft this upcoming summer. The Huskies showcased one of the most dominant NCAA tournament runs in men’s basketball history. They beat every team by at least double digits and also held the largest positive point differential in

end, South Carolina defeated Iowa 8775 to win a national title and complete a perfect, undefeated season. Though only one team took home a championship, the grit and teamwork demonstrated by both teams captivated audiences and inspired countless individuals worldwide while also highlighting the success of women’s basketball and women’s sports overall.

tournament history at 140. UConn has also established itself as one of the best basketball programs in NCAA history, as this is their sixth national championship in 25 years. This ties them with North Carolina in third place among colleges with the most national basketball championships.

UConn’s ability to keep core players and recruit special talent helped maintain the same, if not better, team caliber than the year before. Under the guidance of Coach Dan Hurley, we can expect more from the team in the future. Hurley is already looking forward to a potential three-peat of championships.

“I don’t think that we’re going anywhere,” Hurley said just minutes after the game.

UConn is currently the favorite to win the title again in 2025 despite the loss of key players. If the Huskies win next year, they will write history by becoming the first college program to win three championships in a row since UCLA back in the 1960s.

Defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75, the South Carolina Gamecocks took home the national women’s champions title. This game marked South Carolina’s third championship game in seven years, becoming Division I’s 10th team in women’s tournament history to finish an undefeated season at 38-0. (Courtesy of Morry Gash and NPR / fair use)

University of Connecticut defeats Purdue 75-60, securing the 2024 NCAA tournament champion title. Including this title, UConn