May 16, 2024

‘It felt like I was in a dream’: Aurora borealis lights stun over Davis fields

BY SONORA SLATER science@theaggie.org

Editor’s Note: This week’s episode of Agricola, airing on student radio station KDVS 90.3 FM at 9 a.m. on Friday, will expand on this story, diving more into the science behind the phenomenon.

The UC Davis Physics and Astronomy Club’s rooftop public viewing on Friday, May 10 was supposed to end around 10:30 p.m. But first-year biomedical engineering major Marin Cantrell had heard a rumor that there was a small chance the northern lights would be visible later that night — so she asked the organizers to stick around a little longer.

Needless to say, it paid off.

“I was sitting there and talking, and then somebody just yells around 11:30, ‘Oh my God, we can see it!” Cantrell said. She jumped up, ran over to the ledge on the north end of the building, and eagerly looked out into the dark sky. She was rewarded with the sight of the pillars of light and pink and green spots that marked the phenomenon.

“People always say, like, ‘It felt like I was in a dream,’ but I’d never actually felt that before,” Cantrell said. “And then I stepped back for a second. And I was looking around at all these people and I was looking at the sky, and you can see bits of color. I look at all of this, and I get this really weird feeling that I’m going to wake up any second now. Like this is a hallucination. Like this cannot possibly be happening to me, this cannot possibly be real.”

The northern lights, otherwise

known as the aurora borealis, can usually only be seen close to the north pole. It’s caused by eruptions of radiation called solar flares on the sun’s surface, hitting the Earth’s atmosphere with particles that excite gasses in the atmosphere and make them glow in shades of pink, purple, green and more.

This year, however, the sun is at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle — contributing to a historic geomagnetic storm that allowed viewers as far south as Texas, Georgia and (of course) Davis to see the stunning display. For many, this was a fulfillment of a bucket list goal: one that they didn’t expect to come true in their own backyard.

“I’ve wanted to see the northern lights for a really really long time,” Cantrell said. “My family wants to see them as well. We were probably eventually going to travel somewhere to see them. But I never thought that I would be able to see them without even

having to leave California.”

So… how did the experience compare with seeing the lights in, say, Iceland? Well for one thing, the lights are visible closer to the horizon, rather than up above. And for another, the colors are significantly less vibrant to the naked eye. But with a phone camera on long exposure, the streaks of light are captured much clearer.

“You can see pink and green very vaguely in the sky,” Cantrell said. “But you can’t see much with your naked eye, [which is] true for a lot of astrophotography. It’s not [the same as] what you see on the camera, but being able to see it in person with your own eyes is so cool.”

The event was certainly unexpected for a lot of people — in fact, social media feeds the next day were flooded in near equal measure with pictures of the aurora, and those lamenting going to bed early and sleeping through it

unaware.

“One of my friends actually texted his roommate [about the aurora], and his roommate was like, ‘That’s what your photos are for,” Cantrell said. “He did not want to get out of bed. I’m like, you’re insane for that.”

In general, Cantrell said it felt like a community affair, as everyone texted their friends to go outside and look up, and more and more people joined the party on the rooftop.

“We were all taking pictures and just being like, ‘We’re really glad that we were here,’ Cantrell said. “We were really glad to be able to experience that. That moment was a really special once in a lifetime thing.”

BY THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE STAFF

in English “Palestine will be free/It cost what it cost” and “Viva Palestina,” which translates to “Long live Palestine.” Marchers consisted of members

Scan to read live updates on the encampment online

of organizations that work within the California Coalition for Worker Power. Many marchers were members of Trabajadores Unidos, a Woodland and Sacramento based worker center.

Alma Soto, executive director of jobs with Justice San Francisco, was a member of the march.

“We’re here because we’re a worker-led organization and we very

much honor solidarity,” Soto said.

“We have an analysis of what it means to be in solidarity, like with working people internationally, not just here in the United States.” The group had plans to be in town for a workers’ assembly in Davis, and wanted to express their solidarity with the encampment while they were in town.

“Palestine

MARIN CANTRELL / AGGIE

JERSAIN MEDINA / AGGIE

JERSAIN MEDINA / AGGIE

CATHERINE / AGGIE

ELLEN BURNS / AGGIE

CHRIS PONCE / AGGIE

CHRIS PONCE / AGGIE

One student describes her experience of checking off a bucket list experience on her college campus

A look inside the pro-Palestine encampment on

Monday, May 13

City of Davis Tree Commission discusses infrastructure problems from overgrown trees

At a recent meeting, commissioners and community members spoke about issues caused by poor development planning

BY EMME DUNNING features@theaggie.org

On April 3, the city of Davis Tree Commission held a meeting and discussed problems arising from city trees exceeding expected sizes and damaging utilities.

Cathy Busby, a local homeowner and retired UC Davis professor, spoke about a city tree with roots that have grown to damage her sewer and break her utility lines.

“The water main is going to keep breaking as long as the tree keeps growing, and Halls [Busby’s utility person] told me this repair will last a day, a month, a week, a year,” Busby said. “There [are] going to be more water breaks.” Busby then talked about the financial challenges that these repairs have imposed on her and the problems that will arise in the future if the tree keeps breaking her utility lines.

“The roots, as he described, are growing everywhere, and Halls is like, ‘Yes, your sewer is going to keep breaking, and yes, your water main is going to keep breaking as long as that tree is growing,’” Busby said. “So in the last six months I’ve spent — I’m on a fixed income, and I’m on a pension — but I’ve spent one and a half months of my income correcting the breakages that this tree has caused to my utilities. If this keeps happening, I’m going to have to sell the house. I cannot do this repeatedly.”

Busby then spoke about a possible solution to this tree problem, which cannot be implemented because the tree damaging her utility lines is a cityplanted tree that can only be removed by the city.

“The only solution is to take out the tree,” Busby said. “If the tree had been planted on the other side of my driveway, it would be fine. There’s a private tree there on the plan you showed, so there’s a private tree there

Mayor Chapman meets with Open Space and Habitat Commission to discuss upcoming changes

The Council Subcommittee on Commissions is gathering feedback from each city commission regarding structure adjustments

BY OLIVIA HOKR city@theaggie.org

that is not a tallow [tree]. I’m a retired professor on a pension, and I can’t keep living there if I keep having to do this.”

The vice-chair of the Tree Commission, John Reuter, then spoke about how this is an ongoing issue.

“On the one hand, on the petition for requesting removal, there’s a statement that we are not authorized to remove a tree that’s healthy,” Reuter said. “On the other hand, we are constantly finding cases where trees are causing damage to people’s swimming pools or causing damage to sidewalks.”

Tree Commissioner Colin Walsh continued with the discussion on the origins of this ongoing issue.

“The city planted the tree right on top of the utilities, which is the city’s responsibility that the utilities were there in the first place,” Walsh said.

“Then, to add insult to injury, the city put the cable boxes right on top of it, which is what I was trying to get to.

It’s a rare situation anywhere in the country that the city is the one that was responsible for the cable coming in. So this problem really was of the city’s making.”

Walsh then spoke about homeowners’ disadvantaged position when trying to resolve these kinds of issues with the city council.

“When a developer comes in and gets to talk to the city council, they sure do get lots of time at the microphone, and the council and staff are more than happy to allow the developers to interrupt even sometimes,” Walsh said. “It’s unfortunate, and I think that [homeowners] deserve a lot of respect.”

Walsh concluded his statement by discussing the broader implications of this particular homeowners issue.

“We’re basically talking about trying to correct mistakes that the city made, but there are mistakes like that all over the city, and so we could be talking about eliminating all the trees in the city,” Walsh said. “So that’s just part of the problem. What do we do about mistakes that were made in the past?”

On May 6, the city of Davis Open Space and Habitat Commission and Mayor Josh Chapman met with the main objective of reviewing the proposed changes to the structure and goals of the commission and its subcommittees.

The Council Subcommittee on Commissions was tasked with the duty of reviewing each commission’s functions and structures. This also includes the consolidation of some commissions to reduce redundancy and increase effectiveness. They recently provided the recommendations for various Davis advisory commissions and have been going one-by-one to discuss these with the commissions. The agreed upon changes, which can be found in a memo from the meeting, include; the creation of new commissions, updating commissions authorizing resolutions and assigning community engagement efforts.

“We were tasked, the vice mayor and I, over a year ago to kind of step back and look at commissions in general and ways to have them be more efficient, robust input into the work we’re doing at council,” Chapman said. “We wanted to create a more succinct and focused function for each one. We tried to narrow down the overlapping scopes and put them into functions that were very specific so we didn’t have these really broad pieces.” At their meeting, the Open Space and Habitat Commission reviewed the proposed recommendations to create more clarity among the focuses of their commission. In order to make those functions clear, the Council Subcommittee on Commissions specifically wrote out three to four primary functions of each commission. According to the memo, they were asked to check if the proposed scopes are clear, if they cover the expected areas and if they are manageable.

Members of the Open Space and Habitat Commission had concerns regarding the redundancy of the functions, the lack of public outreach ability, the “Strategic Plan” timeline and the expectations of public engagement. There were also questions about the

openness of collaboration between commissions. According to Ramiro Cabanillas-Ledesma, a member of the commission, it was previously written out that the commission was open to working with others.

“I understand there’s an effort to define commissions more stringently than before,” Cabanillas-Ledesma said.

“However, I do really like the wording previously of working cooperatively or maybe, you know, working in a different way but also that sort of emphasizes that we’re a commission who’s open to collaborating with others.”

Mayor Chapman clarified that he and his team expect that commissions with mutual interests would work

cooperatively together. He proposed the implementation of an overarching statement for all commissions that can express the expectation of mutual cooperation.

After meeting with each commission, Mayor Chapman and Vice Mayor Vaitla will be working together to take into account the responses from each group. By the end of this month, the city plans to move forward with the implementation of the approved changes. “Once the last commission completes [the review], Vice Mayor Vaitla and I will work as a subcommittee to take that feedback and put it into a document that will come back to council on [May] 21,” Chapman said.

A chair sits next to other items near the encampment on the Memorial Union Quad. Nearby is a board game, a half-peeled orange, a copy of the Davis Enterprise, a blanket and more. (Maia Zhu / Aggie)

A pile of signs within the encampment, featuring messages in support of Palestine. (Maia Zhu / Aggie)

A storage tent inside the encampment houses an extensive collection of bottled water, Gatorade, liquid IV and other hydration-related supplies. (Maia Zhu / Aggie)

Tents are lined up within the encampment on the Memorial Quad as the protest enters its second week. (Maia Zhu / Aggie)

ASUCD Senate allocates

$10,091.04

to Planet Her

3, concerns about Senate member’s problematic comments at Lawntopia addressed

The Senate also passed SB #89 which will fund the ASUCD Business Case Competition and heard quarterly reports from various ASUCD units

BY MADISON PETERS campus@theaggie.org

Internal Vice President Aarushi

Raghunathan called the May 9 Senate meeting to order at 6:17 p.m. She then took roll call and read the UC Davis Land Acknowledgement.

The first item on the agenda was the confirmation of three new Internal Affair Commission (IAC) chairpeople.

Next were the confirmations for the ASUCD Housing and Transportation Advocacy Committee (HTAC). The new members proposed their various ideas on how to improve transportation accessibility and safety on campus and throughout Davis as a whole.

One new HTAC committee member proposed their Safety Cycling Project (SCP), which would involve an increase in education and traffic monitoring of cycling on campus.

“In [the] UC Davis Report in 2019 and 2022, [there was] a 43% increase in accidents involving a bike,” the member said. “One of the things I want to [implement] is once [a student] gets accepted into UC Davis, a crash course should happen about what you are getting into with biking and the rules. A very common idea happening in Canada and Washington that made a difference is cement barriers in the biking lanes. It lowered speeding and made biking more accessible and more encouraged because [people] feel safe.”

Annie Kanjamala, a third-year environmental policy and planning major, was then confirmed as the new chairperson of the Environmental Policy and Planning Commission (EPPC).

Kelly Abey, the ex-chair of EPPC, then gave her farewell speech.

“I’ve been a part of EPPC for the last three years,” Abey said. “This commission has evolved a lot over these years, and I found it very fascinating to see people come in and out of positions. I wanted to thank everyone who has been on EPPC this year and my fellow commission chairs for being very supportive.”

Next on the agenda was a presentation by Jenny Vaccari, a representative for Ombuds. Ombuds is a conflict resolution resource offered at many UCs aimed at confidential and informal problem solving, according to

their website.

The Mental Health Initiative (MHI) then gave their quarterly report and discussed their Mental Health Awareness Month activities, which will be happening throughout the month of May.

After this report, the senators shifted their agenda to reconsider SB #86, which would allocate $10,816.04 to the Planet Her 3 event created by Senator Antonio.

The bill is imperative for the success of the event, but will likely drain the Senate reserves, according to Antonio.

Antonio then spoke on the importance of the bill for the Planet Her event.

“I know that this is a big sum of money, and I know that this will drain the reserve to almost nothing, but this is a really large event,” Antonio said. “We are trying our best here and this is really the lowest we can go, [so] we really hope for your support. This is likely going to be the last ASUCD event of the year, and it’s going to be one that really impacts student life in a positive way.”

Other senators expressed concerns regarding the sustainability of the decorations, and the overall cost of some of the items.

After much deliberation, the bill was passed with some amendments including canceling one of the two planned photobooths, which cut down about $789.

Next, Campus Information Technology (IT) gave their quarterly report which included details about their new ticketing system and plans to have more access points on campus to improve eduroam wifi.

Sonora Slater, editor-in-chief of The California Aggie, then gave The Aggie’s quarterly report. Issues regarding certain aspects of funding were discussed, since The Aggie budget is soon to be reviewed.

The senators read both the quarterly reports for the Coho and Unitrans. Public comment was then opened before they moved on to the status of old legislation.

SR #8, which vows to uphold free speech on campus and condemn the delayed response by UC Los Angeles campus authorities and law enforcement after the violent attacks on proPalestinian protestors the night of April 30 and morning of May 1, was then passed and signed by ASUCD President

Francisco Ojeda.

Additionally, SB #88, which will establish the ASUCD yearbook managing editor as a non-voting, exofficio member of the IAC, was passed and sent to Ojeda. The consideration of old legislation was then discussed.

SB #89, a bill that would allocate $2295.48 to the Office of Senator Binh Do in collaboration with Aggie Sports Analytics was passed. This money will fund the ASUCD Business Case Competition, a conference that will be held on June 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

After a brief five-minute break, SB #84 was considered. This bill, submitted by Gaius Ilupeju, would amend the 2023 to 2024 ASUCD budget to transfer $5,924.27 from a portion of the Entertainment Council’s (EC) budget towards the External Affairs Vice President Special Projects Line Item.

ASUCD Controller Allyson Francisco opposed the immediate passing of this bill since it had not yet been reviewed by the Ethnic and Cultural Affairs Commission (ECAC). The Senators voted on tabling the bill to be voted on again on May 23, and then moved into open forum.

Senator Jonathan Ng started by talking about the success of Lawntopia, but brought up controversy surrounding rude comments made by another senator about the event.

“The only incident that happened involved a member of this table [who] I will not mention by name, but they were extremely rude to the EC director and EC volunteers,” Ng said. “When asked to obey instructions by ASUCD personnel, their partner called EC volunteers ‘bitches.’ I just want everyone to be aware that this event happened, and I condemn it as disgusting behavior, especially from someone who is supposed to be representing ASUCD.”

Francisco then went on to call for better security measures at future EC events.

Ng agreed on the need for more security measures and pledged to improve these concerns at the next EC event.

Finally, the meeting was adjourned at 10:02 p.m.

The Green Initiative Fund passes in ASUCD spring 2024 election

Members discuss what is next for the organization after its success in the election

BY BENJAMIN CARRILLOL campus@theaggie.org

In the ASUCD spring 2024 election, The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) passed with an 87.9% approval rating amongst undergraduates with a 23.7% voter turnout.

TGIF is a sustainable development initiative whose mission is to empower and educate students of all backgrounds to develop, propose and enact sustainable projects on the UC Davis campus.

Carla Fresquez, the TGIF acting director and engagement program manager, commented on what winning this election has meant for the organization.

“TGIF has been in a state of limbo for a few years since the student fee that gives the program the funds to distribute to worthy proposed sustainability projects stopped being collected with [the] spring 2021 elections,” Fresquez said.

“The last few years, the program has had little chance to broaden its outreach and marketing to make sure that the entire campus community is aware of this amazing opportunity for

sustainability funding.”

Fresquez emphasized the importance of students voting for what they believe in during future elections.

“If TGIF had not been funded, the only sustainability project funding opportunity open to students, staff and faculty would have disappeared.”

Fresquez said. “Not only would that have been a shame, it would have made UC Davis the only UC campus to lose their TGIF program due to lack of voter participation.”

Alyssa Contreas, a fourth-year sustainable environmental design major, discussed what she would love to see from TGIF with this recent passing.

“I would love to see the possibility of collaboration with green initiatives that support students’ mental health,” Contreas said. “Sustainability at UC Davis could be supported by TGIF by creating green spaces that not only support the environment but also provide a space for students to relax and recharge, thereby supporting their mental health.”

Contreas further noted what she believes sustainability means to UC Davis students as an environmental design major involved with the Green Care Lab.

ASUCD Presidentelect Gaius Ilupeju discusses his goals, plans and motivations for the next academic year

Ilupeju ran unopposed and was elected ASUCD President during the spring 2024 election

BY VINCE BASADA campus@theaggie.org

Gaius Ilupeju, the two-time ASUCD Senator and current underrepresented students officer for the UC Student Association, ran unopposed and was elected ASUCD President during the spring 2024 election. The third-year political science, public service major ran on the Forward slate alongside Aaminah Mohammad as ASUCD Internal Vice President. They campaigned on an expansive platform of student advocacy which includes, among other priorities, the establishment of a tenant union, providing resources to student workers to unionize, expanding equitable access to parking and bringing back Tipsy Taxi. Set to take office in the coming months, Ilupeju sat down with The California Aggie to talk about his campaign, his priorities and his hopes for the upcoming term.

Below is a transcript of Ilupeju’s interview with The Aggie that has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: How are you feeling now that the election results are out?

Ilupeju: I’m feeling great. I’m really excited to get to work with everyone [who] was just elected and to represent the student body to the best of my ability. I think that there’s a lot that we can accomplish in this next year, and I am really excited to do all that.

Q: Why did you run for ASUCD President? What motivated you?

Ilupeju: I ran for president because I was really unhappy with the current state of affairs. I’ve been there for the past three years, and we continue to face the same issues frequently. I just felt like, with the experience I had, I really needed to assert myself and put myself in the position of higher leadership to direct ASUCD where I think it needs to be headed. I think that this association has historically done plenty of amazing things for students, ranging from providing entertainment, fostering community [and] ensuring that university administrators make student-centric decisions. It’s really telling, when you look at this campus, how much ASUCD has contributed to every facet of student life and just improved the quality of living for students every decade. To me, it’s really difficult to see an organization that’s capable of so much doing so little in the past several years, especially in the areas that students care about.

Q: Could you talk a little bit about your past with ASUCD, working in student government and your time as a senator?

events that are visible to ensure that we’re really reaching as many people as we can. We need to improve the way we interact with other student organizations, so they know that they can receive financial and logistical support from ASUCD. That comes with introducing a new culture here where people keep engagement and outreach at the forefront of everything we do. I also think that it means setting up future student leaders for success. Finding ways to explain how we make use of student fees better so we can regain student trust is paramount, because we have a lot of money at our disposal, and it all comes from student fees. We don’t do a great job of explaining how we use it or how we intend to use it once students graduate. We’re doing all these amazing projects, some of them that won’t be finished until students are out of here. I think that if [they] were aware of how we were spending their money, they would really be happy with some of these investments we’ve made.

Q : You ran with the Forward slate, and a lot of your platforms and campaign promises focused toward advocacy for students. They include: creating a tenant’s union, expanding satellite pantry locations and looking into having free laundry for first-years, among other things. Could you talk about how you and the rest of the slate came together to focus on what you wanted to do next year?

Ilupeju: I would say the foundation of everything that we decided to run on was conversations with our peers, particularly student leaders. A lot of these student leaders represent communities who talk about certain issues like improving housing: something that’s on everyone’s mind. Access to basic needs is something that people care about. So it was really having discussions between ourselves to see what was possible through ASUCD and also what students care about. I think it’s a mixture of these two that created the platforms we decided to run on.

Q: Do you think that during your year-long tenure you will realistically be able to implement or start all of these projects?

“Sustainability at UC Davis goes beyond just environmental preservation,” Contreas said. “It encompasses a holistic approach to maintaining a balance between environmental, social and economic needs. This means creating and maintaining green spaces, promoting eco-friendly practices and fostering a culture of sustainability among the UC Davis community.”

Fresquez also elaborated on what she hopes to see for TGIF in the upcoming years.

“I am looking forward to using my relationships and partners on campus to help make TGIF a better known and better understood source of funding for all sorts of projects related to sustainability,” Fresquez said. “I hope to develop a stronger relationship between TGIF and units like the Undergraduate Research Center, the Office of Research, Staff Assembly and Healthy UC Davis to make them all aware of how TGIF can be a valuable asset for their own target audiences.”

TGIF is now actively recruiting board positions for next year. The deadline to apply is May 17, 2024 and students can find the application on Handshake, according to Fresquez.

Ilupeju: I served two terms as a senator, and that started my freshman year. It’s the longest that any person has served as an elected member of ASUCD since the adoption of a new constitution in 1995. In both terms, I was mainly focused on improving our engagement with marginalized communities and increasing the amount of basic needs services we provide. In my first term, I really championed pushing out a basic needs survey to determine where we could set up satellite pantries in other areas of campus. That same year, we were battling [COVID-19], and there was a resurgence in January. I worked with that Senate table to facilitate conversations with administration, primarily by sending out letters to make sure that students got an extension on virtual learning. During my second term, I was realizing that we provide so many services for students, but because our outreach and engagement with them is pretty bad, [...] a lot of [them] go unused. At the end of the day, it’s just a misuse of student fees if you aren’t able to provide necessary services [and] make sure that they’re accessible and visible. Once I termed out, I became more focused on my role in the UC Student Association, where I serve as the underrepresented students officer. I tried my best to learn all the ways that relationships [between students and administrators] could be used to produce positive outcomes for students here on the UC Davis campus.

Q: Have you started to think about how you want to improve ASUCD outreach and how you want to engage with students next year during your tenure?

Ilupeju: I think that we have to take steps to improve our general marketing, communications and marketing strategy. We’ve already started that by hiring a new creative director who is going to work on marketing full time, and I’m excited to work with him. Also, changing how elected officials interface [with the] student body and kind of report on what we’re doing. We need to do more, and we need to hold more

Ilupeju : Right now, we’re in discussion about when we would want some of these things to be accomplished. We know that our platforms are a bit ambitious, and sometimes you plan as best as you can but unexpected things happen, and the university works notoriously slow. So we, first of all, plan on hiring a lot of student workers and volunteers to help make this happen, but we’re also prioritizing the things we think [...] are most important. We know that some of these things take multiple years, and so we’re very much fine with setting up future student leaders to follow up with some of these goals, but making sure that we’ve at least attempted to initiate them during the academic year.

Q : How do you feel about the current presidential administration under Francisco Ojeda? It’s been marked by impeachments and a lot of notable, if controversial, developments. As the year is coming to a close, have you been able to reflect on his time in office?

Ilupeju : I feel like the Ojeda Administration faced a lot of troubles because a lot of different difficulties converged to produce an overall unsatisfactory year for a lot of people, including the executive office. I have no doubt that they genuinely wanted to provide strong leadership and advocate for students to the best of their abilities. But I do think that a lot of different events happened, a lot of them unforeseen, [which] led to an overall unsatisfactory year for many students. I think that the best that we can do after their tenure is to look critically at all the things that went wrong and work as best as we can to prevent them and ensure that this never happens again and [that] we don’t repeat some of the mistakes that were made.

Q: What do you want our readers, the voters of ASUCD and the student population as a whole to know about you and your platform moving forward? Is there something that you think they should know about next year?

Ilupeju: They should know that fixing the issues on this campus and making sure that everyone’s voice is heard is a mission that we all have to commit ourselves to. That includes people within and outside ASUCD. Unless we build a sense of community and foster a culture of accountability, none of the things that we all want will happen at all. I want the readers to know that community oriented advocacy truly is the way forward for us all.

Coffee and flowers: the emergent flavor phenomena

Floral flavors serve to be transformative in the coffee beverage industry

BY MAYA KORNYEYEVA mkornyeyeva@ucdavis.edu

Coffee, as a beverage, is well-known for its versatile flavor profiles. One brew could contain notes of chocolate, spice and caramel, while the next could taste of honey, orange and plum. No single coffee bean is alike; each is shaped by the regional characteristics of the environment in which they are grown and harvested, such as soil composition, elevation, sun exposure and neighboring flora. With the right combination of elements, farmers can cultivate a unique coffee profile. One particular flavor note which recently experienced a surge in popularity is floral. A floral flavor gives coffee a delicate and aromatic taste, which, when cultivated as a natural tasting note in coffee, can range from lavender and rose to elderflower, peaberry and jasmine. On the other hand, a floral flavor can also be added to any type of coffee drink (like espressos, lattes, cold brews and iced coffees) through the use of flavored syrups, with some of the most common being rose and lavender.

In fact, Peet’s Coffee recently launched its new line of lavender drinks

in spring of 2023, with Starbucks following suit in the spring of this year. While both rely on different methods of delivering that floral flavor — with Peet’s using a flavored syrup and Starbucks introducing a purple lavender powder — the drinks have garnered plenty of media attention and customer discourse.

Why is floral coffee so popular?

I believe the answer lies within the complex, unparalleled flavor, as well as its happy pairing with alternative milks such as soy, almond and oat, which have rapidly gained traction on the coffee scene in the last decade. First and foremost, floral flavors are vastly different from what has typically been associated with coffee beverages: mainly vanilla, caramel and cocoa. Every coffee shop with an espresso machine serves some form of mocha (chocolate) beverage, along with your die-hard vanilla. However, flavors like lavender and rose typically reside in the realm of specialty coffee, where baristas experiment with anything and everything to deliver spectacular, neverbefore-seen flavor combinations.

Naturally floral coffee notes also tend to appear in acidic, light to medium roasted coffees as opposed to the richer, dark roasted ones. Lighter coffees are typically less commonly produced, although the demand for this type of roast has increased quite dramatically in recent years. A reason for this shift can be credited to a lighter roast’s ability to retain smoother, less intense flavors that a lot of coffee drinkers prefer — especially if they are drinking their coffee black. Floral is one flavor attributed to light roast coffees

that often appeals to tea drinkers, who find solace in the herbal flavors of the coffee. Floral syrups are also easy to make and can be remarkably potent. The most common recipes include steeping foodsafe dried petals or flower buds in equal parts hot water and sugar, and to let the flavors infuse slowly for up to several days. After draining the dried flowers, you are left with a syrup that packs a punch of sweet, perfumed flavor.

Beyond floral flavors being a signifier of more gentle, fragrant and herbal brews, they are also delicious when coupled with alternative beverages, such as oat milk. This milk substitute in particular stands out above the rest, due to its creamy, nutty flavor profile which elevates and transforms soft flavors such as lavender. Both Peet’s and Starbucks recommend their lavender drinks paired with oat, and many other coffee shops in downtown Davis also suggest adding an alternative milk at the counter.

If you ever get a craving for a coffee that is subtly sweet and beautifully aromatic, a floral latte is sure to lift your spirits. With spring being in full swing, a floral cup of coffee is exactly the way to celebrate flavors that come straight from the colorful flowers we all know and adore. It is a unique and relatively novel trend that will soothe and tickle your tastebuds in the very best way possible.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

Why everyone should consider taking a language class

It’s not too early to start thinking about your fall schedule

BY SHANTANU DESHPANDE

sdeshp@ucdavis.edu

In a world increasingly defined by globalization, the ability to communicate across cultures is more than just an asset — it’s a necessity.

As a student at UC Davis who has studied both Latin and Spanish, I have experienced firsthand the profound impact that learning a new language has on personal and professional growth. I believe that everyone should consider taking a language class, and here’s why.

First, learning a new language opens the door to understanding other cultures. Spanish, for instance, allowed me to travel to Spain and Panama not just as a tourist, but as a student. From literature and history to contemporary social issues, my language classes were windows into worlds vastly different from my own in the Bay Area. Similarly, studying Latin, though it’s not spoken conversationally today, connected me with the past, enhancing my understanding of historical texts and influencing modern legal and scientific terminology.

Second, the cognitive benefits of language learning are well-documented. Studies show that bilingual individuals often have better memory and problemsolving skills, and even exhibit a greater resistance to cognitive decline with age. The mental exercise involved in switching between languages enhances brain functionality, essentially giving the brain a regular workout.

Moreover, in a practical sense, being bilingual or multilingual increases employability. In California’s diverse economy, proficiency in a second language can set job candidates apart from the competition. Whether it’s Spanish, Mandarin or any other language, employers value the ability to communicate with a broader range of clients and customers.

Beyond the personal and economic benefits, there’s a deeper value in language learning. It fosters empathy and understanding, key components in our increasingly interconnected world.

Understanding another language means understanding the people who speak it, which can help bridge cultural divides

Davis MoMA: Fatal Laff

BY NIMRA FARHAN nfarhan@ucdavis.edu

and dispel stereotypes. In conclusion, taking a language class is more than just learning how to communicate — it’s about connecting with others, enhancing your brain’s capabilities and preparing for a global future. I encourage everyone, regardless of age or background, to explore the rich opportunities that language learning presents. Whether through taking up Spanish to connect with neighbors in California or diving into Latin to unlock the secrets of the past. The journey of language learning is invaluable.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

Chess boxing — where brains meet bronze

Here’s what’s really missing from the Olympics

BY MALCOLM LANGE

mslange@ucdavis.edu

Ding, ding, ding. The first round is over. Both boxers are bruised and tired. They both return to their respective corners, take a sip of water and wipe the sweat off of their moist foreheads. They both exit the ring and sit at a table facing each other. The first opponent taps the clock, which indicates that the chess game has now continued. Their goal? First to checkmate or a knock-out. This is chess boxing! Chess boxing has risen in popularity after the pandemic alongside the growing interest in chess. Chess news and streamers hit all-time highs during the quarantine as it was a fun way to keep your mind engaged while also staying safe at home. After isolation

ended, the chess fad continued but started to steadily die down. So what was the next natural step for a dying trend? Do what the Paul brothers did: start boxing. No, chess boxing was a thing before the pandemic — and it’s great that it still exists after the pandemic. However, it did become increasingly popular as chess influencers competed in a chess boxing tournament, with the help of famous streamer Ludwig.

If you have never seen chess boxing, it is incredibly entertaining. Not only do you get to watch a boxing match between two people who most likely have never boxed in their lives — but you also get to watch as their chess gameplay slowly deteriorates the longer they box. However, there is a big problem. What should we do with such a fun sport now that it has started to gain some traction?

My proposal is that we make it a part of the Olympics! And yes, this is my second article about what should be added to the Olympics, but think about it. It is not only a physical challenge but a mental one as well — this way, we can see which country has the best chess player who can also beat the living daylights out of someone. We

already have a bunch of silly sports in the Olympics, like regular boxing. So let’s just add the better version of the sport to the event. I see no real downside to this; I mean, how long does boxing stay entertaining anyway? Something that breaks up the monotonous hitting of the opponent with something that takes a different form of strategy and foresight would be a great addition to the Olympics. It truly is, in my opinion, a more difficult sport, because you can’t just be good at boxing or chess — you have to have some skill in both to make it past the first couple of rounds. That is why I am campaigning to get chess boxing added to the 2024 Olympics in France. I mean, it seems like the only real candidate if you ask me. What else would they add instead? Breakdancing? That would be ridicu–oh, um… This is awkward. I am now just being informed, they did in fact add breakdancing. Well… we will try again in four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

Kennedy strikes again

Will RFK Jr. spoil the 2024 presidential election?

BY MOLLY THOMPSON mmtthompson@ucdavis.edu

BY LANHUI ZHEN lazhen@ucdavis.edu

OPINION

Help The California Aggie represent you

The Aggie is an opportunity to get your voice heard, but only if we can hear from you

BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Hey, we’re the Editorial Board. In case you haven’t noticed, we publish a weekly newspaper that seeks to reflect the opinions and concerns of the UC Davis community. In addition to a wonderfully talented cast of regular writers who cover everything from movie reviews to city council meetings, we regularly post guest columns from students and staff. We’re proud to be a record of major events on campus and in the city of Davis, including those concerning difficult and controversial topics.

In order to succeed in this role, The Aggie must be receptive to a variety of viewpoints. And to portray the viewpoints of our students, students must feel comfortable to represent themselves and their communities through interviews and guest articles. The Editorial Board wants to remind you that our job is to report the news, not to make value judgments as we cover events on and off campus. Trust us, the events we cover may not always reflect our personal beliefs, but our

coverage guidelines are the same for any perspective. We want to accurately represent the stories and viewpoints of the people who make it into our articles. Importantly, we are limited to sources that are willing to speak to us. Though we understand that it can be intimidating to speak to a reporter, we promise we aren’t here for takedowns or “gotcha” journalism. We are happy to work with you to make sure you feel comfortable with the information shared. We also know that not everyone is in a place to represent themselves on the spot — if there’s a better person to represent you or your organization, we would love to connect with them instead.

Still, the fact remains: We can only represent the student body as much as the student body represents themselves to us. Recently, some of our writers have had interviews retracted or had groups refuse to speak with them. Doing this is entirely within your rights, but it does mean that your perspective may not be fully represented in the next copy of The Aggie. We’d also like to remind you that

our writers are, first and foremost, students. They often cover based on assignment, not based on personal allegiance. Just because they cover an event doesn’t mean The Aggie or any individual writer supports everything described in the article. Though biases will always exist, we try to be fair in our coverage and keep our opinions for the Opinion section. If you have complaints, concerns or rage to wield, we encourage you to email editor@theaggie.org, rather than taking it out on any of our reporters. Our comment section has also re-opened this year at theaggie.org. If you would like to share your own piece of writing, email opinion@theaggie.org. We try to publish as many student voices as possible.

We appreciate you reading our paper and working with us to help The California Aggie be the most accurate and representative we can be. The Editorial Board believes in the value of student journalism, and we are grateful to all those who interview with, write for or read our paper.

TikTok’s time is running out, but why?

Is the looming ban an infringement on free speech or a national security necessity?

BY JOAQUIN WATERS jwat@ucdavis.edu

So. TikTok. For at least six years, if not going all the way back to its 2016 launch, it has been the most popular social media platform in the United States. It is a trendsetter, a ubiquitous outlet and a cultural phenomenon. And it might be off all our phones in nine months. For those who don’t know, the Senate and the White House have recently signed into law a controversial piece of legislation that gives ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, nine months to sell TikTok to another company, with an additional threemonth grace period should a sale be approved, or face the app’s removal in the United States. So far, ByteDance has shown no sign that it will sell — in fact, they are taking the bill to the Supreme Court to debate its legality, arguing that a United States ban would be an infringement on free speech. The truth of the matter? Well, in this author’s opinion, it’s a bit more complicated than an absolute one or the other.

Arguments in favor of banning the app in the United States all tend to lead back to potential national security concerns. TikTok does harvest huge swaths of user data — as does basically every social media platform of note, from Facebook to Instagram to X, the site formerly known as Twitter. The difference here is that those other platforms are American-based, while ByteDance (and by extension TikTok) is Chinese. The validity of these concerns continues to be heavily debated. After all, regarding data harvesting, it’s not as if the soulless lizard-people known as Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are inherently more trustworthy than a board of Chinese executives. That we trust the former over the latter, even subconsciously, contains more than a whiff of xenophobia.

But this is not to say that there are no genuine concerns regarding ByteDance’s data harvesting. The Chinese government is notoriously

far more restrictive than the United States with the foreign-based content they allow. Facebook, Instagram, X and even YouTube and Google, are all banned from Chinese app stores, only accessible through virtual private networks (VPNs), because, ironically, they do not comply with China’s restrictions on data sharing and types of content shared. Meanwhile, an article in the country’s National Intelligence Law requires Chinese corporations of all types to “assist and cooperate” with their intelligence agencies. Admittedly this is a fairly vague ask, but then governments historically get away with a heck of a lot through loopholes and vagaries. It is not unreasonable to question why they are so restrictive of foreign-based companies’ data sharing while so demanding of their own companies’ compliance.

With all that said, there is also a reasonable counterargument that states that the TikTok ban would be a stepping stone on the United States’ part toward the restrictiveness of governments like China’s. Would the ban give China a taste of its own medicine regarding app restriction, or would it be one further step on our own part down the slippery slope of fascism? It’s a tough question to answer because, while there are genuine concerns in what ByteDance does with our data, there are genuine concerns from our own companies as well. Data harvesting is the trade-off for all social media platforms. How many times have we paid glib lip service to our own implicit paranoia about data sharing by joking that “our algorithms are spying on us” or that “my CIA agent isn’t gonna find much interesting on my computer, LOL?” The simple truth of the matter is that we do not know what they — our government — know, either about Chinese intelligence agencies or American ones. It may well be that ByteDance is a foreign spy tool; it may well be that Meta or X are domestic spy tools; it may well be that this whole issue is born from xenophobic paranoia. We don’t know, and until we do, it’s near-impossible to definitively give an

Taylor Swift’s excessive merchandising practices are not sustainable

Consumerism drives much of the music industry and top artists must acknowledge the detrimental effects

BY CLAIRE SCHAD cfschad@ucdavis.edu

It is no secret that Taylor Swift’s fans are willing to do almost anything to support their favorite artist. Whether it’s spending hours in a virtual queue trying to buy concert tickets or spending thousands of dollars on merchandise, Swifties are nothing if not dedicated. However, despite Swift’s almost incomprehensible level of stardom, many people have criticized her for promoting potentially damaging norms of consumerism.

informed answer.

What we do know is that the impact of the TikTok ban (assuming it goes through) will be enormous, and not entirely positive. There are content creators who make their livelihoods through TikTok, either as a side hustle or because they have no other options. And whatever the behind-the-scenes truth of the matter is, TikTok has, at least partially, become an outlet for artistry and free speech in the United States. Dissenters might say that it has also become an outlet for propaganda, and that isn’t untrue, but so has any platform that allows for the dispersal of a wide range of opinions. The absence of TikTok from our app stores will be keenly felt, probably even more than its arrival there in 2016 was felt.

So the question remains: will ByteDance bite (no pun intended) and sell its most profitable platform, or is TikTok’s time in the U.S. nearly up? In this writer’s opinion, the latter is more likely. Let’s face it — more than an artistic outlet or a potential security tool, TikTok is a business, and its parent company will do whatever does the least damage to that business. While a ban in the U.S. would be a blow to that business, it would not be fatal; they get the majority of their income from China. And the other question remains as well: should this happen? Well, this was a long-winded way of saying “I don’t know.” We can’t know, because we have not been given all of the information to properly make that call, so we gravitate toward the uninformed opinion that best suits our worldview, be that xenophobic paranoia or defensiveness of a platform that has brought us joy. Whichever view we embrace is entirely in our hands, but in my view, ambiguity is the most truly informed opinion as the clock winds down. Tick, tock.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

Swift’s success, while largely due to her talent, is also undeniably dependent on the brand that she has built around herself. From vinyls and CDs to jewelry, clothing and journals, you can find almost anything on Swift’s online store. Love her or hate her, there is no denying that the brand she has created is unprecedented and impressive. But how much is too much? Is this abundance of merchandise actually good for anyone?

Recently, Swift has come under fire from fans and fellow artists alike for her contribution to the harmful systems of consumerism. Earlier this spring, pop singer Billie Eilish called out fellow artists for releasing multiple different vinyl packages, each with “a different, unique thing, just to get you to keep buying more.” She went on to explain that this mass production of merchandise, especially multiple vinyl variants, is frustrating when artists like herself are focused on ensuring their merchandise is produced sustainably. While Eilish didn’t mention Swift by name, it was clear that she was alluding to Swift and other widely popular artists as she went on to say she was referring to “some of the biggest artists in the world.”

Eilish’s comments are not unwarranted, Swift’s 2020 Grammy Album of the Year, “Folklore,” had nine

different vinyl variants available for fans to purchase. Similarly, “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” came in five different vinyl versions, each with a different pastel color theme.

The most recent example of Swift’s disappointing commitment to consumerist culture, however, came on April 18, with the surprise double album release of “The Tortured Poets Department.” Despite being a continuation of the original album, the second part — released just two hours after the initial album, “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology” was treated as a completely different album. Meaning, those who preordered vinyls and CDs would have to purchase another if they wanted all 31 songs to be included.

As a Swiftie myself, Swift’s commitment to consumerism is frustrating. I personally don’t have any CDs or vinyls of her albums because I don’t have a need for the physical album itself as I listen to all of my music through streaming platforms. However, I can understand people wanting to have a keepsake or physical copy of the album to decorate their room. Given this, the problem is not the mere existence of physical CDs and vinyls, but rather the sheer number of variants that Swift and other artists are releasing. By constantly releasing new variants, some with bonus songs only available on the limited edition physical copy, Swift is encouraging her fans to buy more items than they could ever possibly need. For many of her fans, this creates a situation where they get into a cycle of consumerism that normalizes the constant influx of new items, even when it is damaging to the environment, or even their financial well-being.

ARTS & CULTURE

Annual Whole Earth Festival brings together artists of all kinds — ‘Can You Dig It?’

WEF honors the UC Davis value of community through a unique array of art

BY SAVANNAH ANNO & JULIE HUANG arts@theaggie.org

From May 10 to 12, the 55th Whole Earth Festival (WEF) filled up the entirety of UC Davis’ Russell Field. Featuring live music, food and vendor booths, and a variety of different interactive spaces, the Whole Earth Festival attracts over 30,000 visitors each year.

The festival is entirely studentrun — featuring areas like the Kids, Experiential and Art Spaces, WEF organizers aim to educate visitors on topics like wellness and sustainability through creative activities.

At this year’s Art Space, visitors were given the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of work, ranging from poetry to textiles.

Cindy Chen, a fourth-year design major and one of the co-coordinators for the Art Space, explained the process for receiving art submissions and creating their annual outdoor art gallery.

“When we were accepting work, we didn’t set any limits,” Chen said. “Art is not just painting. People are good at different kinds of art; we wanted to see artworks from different people and forms.”

Receiving submissions from almost 30 different artists — both students and community members — the outdoor gallery was able to fill up six different walls of work, each set up and curated by student volunteers.

The space also included a table display and a free screen printing activity for visitors. Relying on close ties with their community, Jessica Wong, a second-year art studio major and the other co-coordinator for the space, was able to borrow portable screen printing bikes from a Bay Area organization that she had previously volunteered with.

“Yesterday I biked it over and it was crazy,” Chen said. “It’s terrible to bike, but it’s really good for art making.”

Designed by Wong, the Art Space screen print consisted of 12 small squares, each filled with a different symbol. Ranging from a crab to an orange slice to a shovel, the design was able to convey what the Whole Earth Festival holds most dear: celebrating nature, building community and emphasizing the importance of the arts.

Kaya Kurtz, a second-year sustainable agriculture and food systems and sustainable environmental design double major, highlighted the benefits of participating in WEF as a student volunteer.

“Everyone is so open and happy and just willing to share, talk and become friends,” Kurtz said.

“I feel like all of the different spaces where you can volunteer are so unique, [and] it’s really interesting to see all the planning that goes into it.”

Rosalie Sinclair, vendor and owner of Citrussloth — a business that boasts dice, paper crafts and “other goods with wellness and joy in mind” — confirmed the considerable range of hobbies, activities and creations represented at WEF. As an instructor for the UC Davis

Craft Center, Sinclair was part of their yearly booth at the festival.

“I instruct the sun catchers, fused glass, screenprinting [and] nature journaling, all sorts of classes,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair originally saw the activity of dice making as one that only involved herself and her friends, but she decided to transform the hobby into a business after ending up with a surplus of dice.

This decision has allowed her to expand her personal network and foster a deeper sense of connection with the overall Davis community.

“I love selling them to the community,” Sinclair said. “It really helps me engage with the public a lot, especially younger people trying to find their place in Davis.”

Developing bonds within the community has consistently been a significant aspect of both Sinclair and the Craft Center’s experience with WEF.

“We have [a booth] every year, we make the stickers for WEF and they let us come and vend,” Sinclair said. “There’s always some sort of arrangement [for] all of us and it’s a great way to build more community and work with WEF.”

Most Craft Center course instructors are community members or graduated students, like Sinclair, while the courses themselves are available not only to students but to anyone interested in joining. This policy has helped further expand the WEF network and the personal ties between members of the community.

“We get a lot of people [coming to the booth] wanting to take classes, especially with summer coming up as our next semester,” Sinclair said. “It makes it a lot easier for community members to get into classes when there are less students, so it’s really nice to be able to reach out, talk about it and get some new people into the center afterwards.”

Apart from providing invaluable community space, WEF also allows its vendors to engage with their personal artistic interests in a productive manner, intertwining the values of community with their personal values and individual

processes of creating art.

“I try to make community through my art and make art more accessible for everyone that way,” Sinclair said.

Lisa Rogers, vendor and owner of Slowdigz botanical prints, explained that her niece, a former Davis undergraduate, introduced the festival to her as a unique way to engage with her business and her interests.

“I liked thrifting, and I love nature and hiking, so [my business] kind of combines both,” Rogers said. “I have an upcycled line, so a lot of pieces are second-hand.”

The festival provided Rogers with a community space in which she was able to display her craft. WEF’s focus on environmental sustainability and sustainable action allowed Rogers to promote her business to a wider audience while honoring the personal values that influenced her business choices.

“I like to [buy secondhand items and upcycle], and I like to go out into nature, and I like to garden, so [a sustainable practice] allows me to bring those two together,” Rogers said. “[My products] only use natural fibers and not any synthetic fibers or dyes.”

Similarly, the array of products displayed at Sinclair’s booth demonstrated a range of artistic expertise and interest that hinted at the personality behind each creation.

“I’m a big caster: I cast in resin, I cast in metal, I cast in glass,” Sinclair said. “That’s part of how I’m able to do a lot with glass, because I’m used to working with the medium. I do a lot of glass screen printing, which is my main forte.”

Citrussloth and other vendors will also make appearances at the upcoming Davis Pride Fair and Festival on June 1, which similarly features local creatives and art booths.

As an event designed to showcase the artistic creations and interests of individuals within the broader context of a welcoming environment, WEF encapsulates the best of the Davis community.

“All of it comes together,” Kurtz said. “It’s fun to share the community we have and show what Davis is about.”

Couch Concert: Sluttony, Corn Smut, BIGFISH, Agraria and Creative Differences

Davis, Santa Cruz and Orange County-based bands discuss the anticipation around the upcoming Couch Concert in collaboration with Eclectic Collective

BY ANA BACH & ELIZABETH WOODHALL

arts@theaggie.org

This coming Saturday, May 18, The California Aggie will collaborate with Eclectic Collective, a longstanding hub of the Davis music scene, to host our quarterly Couch Concert — a house show bringing community members together to enjoy local music. Each of the acts featured spoke with The Aggie to provide readers and music enthusiasts a glimpse into their sound.

The first band in the lineup, Sluttony, is originally a Santa Cruzbased group, but has since relocated to Los Angeles. The group is composed of lead singer Hannah Goodwin, lead guitarist Nina Maravis, bassist Caroline Margolis and drummer Sabine Hovnanian. Maravic discussed how the band formed when she was a student at UC Santa Cruz, and she and her bandmates would perform covers at local coffee shops, leading them to record more original music.

“We started the band after the pandemic, late 2021, and started playing music and had our first show,” Maravic said. “We first started with covers, but then we had our first single around the same time, so the local music scene in Santa Cruz pushed us to make original songs.”

She described the band’s music as alternative and garage rock with a hint of grunge. Additionally, Sluttony’s writing process allows for all band members to collaborate and build on

each other’s ideas. “When we first started becoming a band, people assumed we were in the riot-girl genre since we have four femme presenting people, but we don’t associate ourselves with that genre anymore,” Maravic said. “With this new album, we are exploring new genres. When writing songs, [our genre] changes from time to time. Someone [will come] up with a guitar riff, they’ll send it around, it inspires something in someone else. We all contribute and build up from each other’s ideas. It’s true collaboration and working together on everything that we do. Anything that we put out has the stamp of approval from all of us.” They have expressed their excitement about performing a house show — something they haven’t done in a while because of touring — in Davis, describing the crowd as “always happy to be there.”

The next band, Corn Smut, started their band in the shed of one of the members’ houses and described themselves as a “lopsided triangle coming together.” This group consists of drummer Zane Taylor, vocalist and guitarist Evan Sandler and bassist Jonah Kalmar. Their first band name was Godfuck!, but they have since renamed their band to Corn Smut — taking inspiration from the traditional Mexican dish, huitlacoche, which is a fungus grown on corn.

“I went to Mexico City, and while

BY LORENA ALVAREZ arts@theaggie.org

Song: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter (2024)

Even if you have not listened to Sabrina Carpenter’s new song “Espresso,” you have likely heard people singing “I’m working late ‘cause I’m a singer” in passing. From its upbeat tune to its silly, flirtatious lyrics, “Espresso” is quickly becoming the song of the summer. Carpenter has been making headlines for her music and fun performances that left fans wondering what witty “Nonsense” outros she would come up with next while opening for Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour.” Much like her flirtatious concert outros, “Espresso” depicts the self-awareness and confidence in knowing you are someone’s infatuation — someone’s caffeine addiction. The lyrics, “Now he’s thinking ‘bout me every night, oh / Is it that sweet? I guess so / Say you can’t sleep, baby, I know / That’s that me espresso,” draw listeners in because of its silly ending. While Carpenter’s iconic “that’s that me espresso” is grammatically incorrect, that playfulness is what makes “Espresso” so catchy and charismatic.

TV Show: “Dynasty” dir. Matt Earl Beesley (2017)

“Dynasty” is a drama featuring a rich powerful family with multiple businesses. As the story unfolds, the series touches on fidelity, birthright, women in the workplace, sexuality and the complexity of family relationships. While the plot is centered around Fallon Carrington, Blake Carrington’s only daughter, and her journey to become a respected businesswoman, the television show depicts the family’s adventures and hardships. While the series humanizes the rich family by depicting their personal lives and losses, the drama highlights the extent the Carringtons go to to maintain their status and success.

Album: “Fine Line” by Harry Styles (2019)

Much like Carpenter’s fun and upbeat “Espresso,” Harry Styles’ album “Fine Line” embodies the feeling of a perfect summer evening. While a slower song compared to Carpenter’s, “Watermelon Sugar,’’ a popular track from the album, revolves around summer evenings and desire. Despite the explicit meaning, “Strawberries on a summer evenin’ / Baby, you’re the end of June / I want your belly and that summer feelin’ / Getting washed away in you,” appeals to the senses. The lyrics force its audience to imagine themselves sitting out in the sun and enjoying fresh strawberries — what a carefree summer is all about. Although “Golden” does not carry this happy message, it incorporates the same upbeat tone that is perfect for fun summer days. It discusses feelings of longing and desire; and the idea that the person behind your longing is “so golden” that you are willing to risk heartbreak if it means you get to spend the summer driving vintage convertibles and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea with them — like the music video depicts.

eating out, I was reading a menu that listed huitlacoche,” Sandler said. “It’s a really popular dish in Mexico, and it translates to corn smut. I thought the name was too good, so I went, ‘Hey Siri, call GodFuck!’ because we need to change it. During our events, we have corn-themed everything. At the domes, we had elote.”

Kalmar said that the sound-making process can be credited to Sandler, who is deeply involved in songwriting and composing songs. All band members are involved in developing and crafting the music for the band, and Taylor said that the process is like “a quilt where each song is a patch, and they’re sewn together to make an album.”

“We’re just jamming and having fun with it, “ Kalmar said. “We take inspiration from improvised jamming, and if we think it’s cool, we make a song about that.”

The next band to perform, BIGFISH, is a newly formed all-girl band in Davis composed of vocalist Angelina Cicchini, keyboardist Greta Foehr, solo guitarist Sierra Lizerbram, rhythmic guitarist Rhea Cosand, drummer Brooke Tokushige and bass guitarist Allie Riley.

Cicchini discussed the band’s formation, mentioning how they discovered each other in a music therapy club in Davis and decided to collaborate with several girls on the UC Davis women’s club lacrosse team.

“Sometimes we will go sing at a retirement home and play,” Cicchini said. “Greta [Foehr] told me that she has

While Shakespeare is known for his classic love tragedies and his use of early modern English, which can oftentimes deter young readers, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the perfect light-hearted comedy to read this spring. Unlike his popular tragic love stories, this short dialogue plays with the meaning of love and relationships in a mischievous way. It follows two couples who are easily manipulated into loving the wrong person. While theoretically dark, the play’s light-hearted nature consumes the text’s tone, featuring the magical world and an attempt to emphasize that any unhappiness is just a dream, not reality. This magical realm with lively manipulation and pranks fills the reader’s senses with an appreciation of nature, magic and comedy. For those who prefer to watch plays, UC Davis students can use their student log-in to access Alexander Street productions for free.

Scan to submit your writing or art to our spring quarter literary magazine! The theme is “New Beginnings.” Submissions are open to the public, and will close on May 24. We can’t wait to see what you come up with. met some athletes who were strangely multi-talented. Greta [Foehr] and I have been trying to start a band for over a year, without success, and now we have been playing originals. Sierra [Lizerbram] composed a little song and built some lyrics as well as a chorus. In my head, building an original would

be so time-consuming, but it wasn’t.” Foehr discussed learning how to add a unique musical spin to their music and experimenting with a combination of styles that fit the band’s collective sound.

Play: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare (1600)

Whole Earth Festival continues to set up as people walk by and browse various booths. (Andrew Huang / Aggie)

Godzilla remains the king of monsters, even 70 years later

Aside from toppling down cities, the Godzilla franchise implements history and social commentary

BY SAVANNAH BURGER arts@theaggie.org

As the longest franchise in movie history boasting 38 films and counting, the Godzilla franchise has been a part of our world for multiple generations. The monster and his film series were originally created by Tomoyuki Tanaka, Ishiro Honda and Eiji Tsuburaya of the Toho Company, Ltd. Godzilla has been everywhere in worldwide pop culture throughout the last few decades, appearing in movies, TV shows, comic books, videogames and countless other forms of media.

With the first film of the series, “Godzilla,” released in 1954, this year marks the franchise’s 70th anniversary.

Many forget that the conception of Godzilla came from the conclusion of World War II, when the United States unleashed two atomic bombs over Nagasaki and Hiroshima on August 6 and 9 in 1945. This is where Godzilla was born both in the minds of creators and the canon of the Godzilla franchise.

After the end of the war, America continued with atomic testing in the Pacific, which caused a crew of Japanese fishermen to contract radiation sickness in 1954. This tragedy is referred to as the Lucky Dragon 5 Incident and was hinted at in the first Godzilla movie, especially in the scene of Godzilla attacking a fishing boat. Released two years later, the American version of the film, which was dubbed, “Godzilla, King of the Monsters!” cut all of the scenes related to the incident so as to not paint America in a bad light. Not only this, but they added scenes with Hollywood actor Raymond Burr to attract American viewers.

Godzilla thus is understood to be the product of nuclear waste and radiation contaminating islands off the coast of Japan, morphing him into a larger-than-life, atomic radiationbreathing monster. He is a walking metaphor that represents the terror of the atomic bomb and the pain that the Japanese people suffered in the wake of the American attack.

The biology of Godzilla varies in different versions of the eras of the films. Sometimes, he is a prehistoric marine animal that resided at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean and was disturbed and altered by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. Other iterations paint Godzilla as a mutated reptile, dinosaur or some sort of amphibian, all being altered by radiation or nuclear bombing in some way.

All 38 films in the franchise belong to one of four eras. These are the Shōwa era (1954 to 1975), Heisei era (1984 to 1995), Millennium era (1999 to 2004) and Reiwa era (2016 to present). Separate from these eras but happening concurrently, there is also the group of American-made Godzilla films.

In the Shōwa era, the first four Godzilla movies portrayed the titular character as an evil force to be stopped, who attacked the innocent civilians of Japan and the friendly monster, Mothra. Following that, the character of Godzilla shifted to be more of a heroic protector. The fight scenes between Godzilla and other monsters are often humorous, and there is little to no continuity between films.

In the Heisei era, however, Godzilla’s character shifts again to be something of a serious anti-hero that provides much more social

commentary than the last iterations. Throughout this era’s films, there are comments on world relations, politics, deforestation and oil production. For instance, in “The Return of Godzilla,” (1984) there is an obvious take on the then-ongoing Cold War, as the entire subplot of the movie revolves around nuclear tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, with Japan acting as an intermediary, attempting to protect Godzilla from the two world powers.

Godzilla has also taken jabs at oil production, such as in the 1989 film, “Godzilla vs. Biollante.” The movie starts with scientists attempting to fuse Godzilla’s genetic material with modified plants in the hopes of creating a new source of fertility and plant growth in their barren deserts. All of this effort was directed towards the goal of shutting down oil wells and their monopoly on the economy.

In the last decade, the Godzilla “MonsterVerse” is the first Godzilla series to be made by a company other than Toho. The American film company, Legendary Pictures, is well into its era of Godzilla movies, with four films and an Apple TV series underneath their belt.

Godzilla has always been popular in the United States. In the second half of the 20th century, Toho Company movies were aired every week on national television. This new American-produced line of media, however, has hit viewers with a new wave of Godzilla obsession. The casting of certain popular actors, such as Tom Hiddleston, Millie Bobby Brown, Brie Larson, Kurt Russel and Anna Sawai, have played a big part in MonsterVerse’s success.

70 years later, the famed Godzilla is just as, if not, more popular than he

Laufey enchants on ‘Bewitched: The Goddess Edition’

Featuring four new songs, Laufey’s latest release is well worth your time

BY NATALIE SALTER

arts@theaggie.org

In September of last year, IcelandicChinese singer-songwriter Laufey released her long-awaited sophomore album, “Bewitched.” A beautiful blend of jazz and bedroom pop elevated with magnificent orchestral elements, the album proved Laufey’s prowess as an artist while simultaneously launching her into new levels of stardom through hits such as “From The Start.” From the playful “Dreamer” to the cinematic “California And Me (feat. Philharmonia Orchestra)” to the melancholic “Promise,” “Bewitched” shines as an album encompassing Laufey’s skills in emotional songwriting and atmospheric instrumentation.

On April 26, Laufey returned to the spellbinding world of “Bewitched” to expand the album by four songs, crafting a new version known as “The Goddess Edition.” This extended release brilliantly captures her range as a musician, enchanting an already delightful album.

The first new track is “Bored,” a playfully crafted piece that lyrically chastises an unnamed lover for their vain self-absorption. In its sound, the song falls into Laufey’s lighter, bedroom pop-esque creations, upbeat but restrained. Instantly, Laufey demonstrates her vocal talents, her voice infectious with emotion and flowing seamlessly against the soft piano and drum-led background.

“Trouble” follows suit in terms of its instrumentation. It is a gently composed song that reflects upon the singer’s difficulties in overcoming her feelings. Midway through the piece, Laufey’s love of jazz finds its way through a striking chorus of trumpets,

Musical genius, Laufey bridges the gap with her unique blend of generational sounds as she utilizes a variety of classical and jazz elements.

(Courtesy of Variety / fair use) bringing a pop of brightness. “Trouble” boasts relatable lyrics and a soothing rhythm, making it a pleasing backdrop to the listener’s own emotions.

Laufey shifts to try her hand at another jazz standard on “It Could Happen To You.” More fast-paced than the prior two tracks and far more jazzy, the song is an injection of energy well-placed among the more reflective tracks surrounding it. Laufey’s voice shines against the classy musical backdrop, and it is an absolute delight to listen to from start to finish. Likewise, the song’s playful nature shows that the singer shines in every direction of lyricism, and she can dance from melancholia to youthful whimsy with remarkable ease.

The final track also lends the extended album its name: “Goddess,” a withdrawn and emotionally poignant song that opens up Laufey’s

most vulnerable side. A tragic listen that muses upon a toxic relationship steeped in unrealistic expectations, the artist’s hurt is felt pervasively in every note of the song’s piano. Near its end, the prior quietness of the piece is shed, allowing Laufey’s voice to stun while laced with anger and despair. Though a surprisingly sad note to leave the album on, “Goddess” is unforgettable and moves the listener time and time again.

If Laufey’s newest clutch of songs is any indication, her career is sure to only move upward. The singer teased fans that she may release an album of jazz standard covers in the future, a promising choice as “It Could Happen To You” is an absolute standout. Just as the album title suggests, Laufey is nothing short of bewitching, and she’ll continue to spellbind us in the future.

(Courtesy of

World

was in his debut in 1954. While he has been increasingly Americanized in some iterations of his character, the Toho Company is still making current films to remind the world of Godzilla’s tragic, atomic conception, as depicted in the 2023 film, “Godzilla Minus

Met Gala 2024: ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’

With the theme “The Garden of Time,” many celebrities missed the mark BY AALIYAH ESPAÑOL-RIVAS arts@theaggie.org

On May 6, 2024, the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted their annual Met Gala, organized by Vogue EditorIn-Chief, Anna Wintour.

The Met Gala, otherwise known as the Costume Institute Benefit, hosts one of the most prestigious events in society, with only a small number of attendees invited each year. The gala, meant to highlight the Metropolitan Museum’s newest fashion exhibit,

The 2024 Met Gala was themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” with celebrities dressed to impress. Zendaya walked the carpet with two outfits, most notably a black gown from John Galliano and Givenchy in 1996. (Courtesy of CBC / fair use)

calls for attendees to dress to impress, incorporating the theme chosen by Wintour herself.

This year’s exhibit, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” sought to highlight rare pieces in the museum’s collection and incorporate Earth’s natural scenic beauties. As per the exhibit, the dress code for guests was “The Garden of Time,” which many interpreted literally, and for some, not at all.

One of the most creative looks of the night came from Zendaya, coming off of the buzz from her most recent film, “Challengers.” Zendaya, who wore two outfits both by designer John Galliano, absolutely embodied the theme.

On the other hand, her two costars, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, went for a more traditional look, experimenting with far less color than Zendaya did. Faist, who wore a simple black tux, merely incorporated the theme with a radish brooch while O’Connor wore a tux with extended tails and floral boots.

Other noteworthy breathtaking looks came from Ariana Grande, who wore a mother-of-pearl bodice dress from Loewe, Tyla, with a dress made from actual sand by Balmain and Bad Bunny, dressed in a custom-made Maison Margiela suit.

“Saltburn” star Barry Keoghan wore a suit that embodied Brendon Urie during the “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” era of Panic at the Disco. Other forgettable looks include Gigi Hadid, Jack Harlow and Kendall Jenner. METGALA on 11

Movie poster of 1985’s Godzilla titled: The Legend is Reborn.

New

Pictures / fair use)

One.” Whether he’s on the side of humanity fighting other monsters or plowing

UC Davis at the forefront of veterinary medicine

Students majoring in the animal sciences share what sets Davis’ program apart from other universities

BY ZOEY MORTAZAVI features@theaggie.org

If there is one thing UC Davis is known for, it is the university’s deep-rooted connection to animals and farming. When many think of Davis, its association with cows and agricultural life may be some of the first things that come to mind.

This may be because UC Davis’ Veterinary School is the No. 1 veterinary program in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report. Davis is also ranked as the second-best program worldwide, with the first-place ranking going to the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London.

Davis’ veterinary residency program is the nation’s largest by far, offering more than 30 specialties and hosting more than 700 students in pursuit of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, as well as other professional and graduate degrees.

UC Davis undergraduate students majoring in animal sciences have reported loving the hands-on approach and interactive labs that many courses here include.

Sadie Liu, a first-year animal science major, shared some of her experiences as a student in the Department of Animal Science.

“As an aspiring pre-veterinary student, I have absolutely loved every second of my experiences here at Davis,” Liu said. “The animal science classes and labs that I’ve taken have been incredibly hands-on and eyeopening, and I adore spending time with all the newborn animals, too.”

Liu is also the current secretary for Davis’ Veterinary Aide Club. She explained that Davis takes an interactive approach to its animal science program that helps it stand out among many other prestigious universities.

“I think that these interactive opportunities are truly what sets the

Davis veterinary program apart from other colleges, as they not only instill scientific and technical knowledge, but also ethical and moral consideration,” Liu said. “I am so excited to continue my veterinary pursuits at Davis, and I can’t wait to see what the program teaches me next.”

In addition to boasting a successful program, the veterinary school’s hospital aids over 50,000 patients each year and utilizes over $89 million in annual research funding. The school also celebrated its 75th anniversary in April of 2023.

The hospital has also received approval from the American Animal Hospital Association, which is the only current organization to accredit companion animal vet hospitals like the Davis veterinary school.

The hospital hosts the Veterinary Center for Clinical Trials, which provides undergraduate students with the chance to work with animals, veterinary professionals and other researchers in the field.

Undergraduate students have expressed that the empirical lab approach at Davis is what makes the program so useful for students trying to become veterinarians.

“I think anyone who is hoping to pursue a career in the veterinary field has heard about UC Davis’ prestige in both animal and veterinary science,”

Olivia Patsch, a first-year animal science major, said. “The action-based labs really go to show why Davis has a top spot in this field. I feel like UC Davis is all about learning by doing; I’ve been exposed to so many different types of animals and different ways of applying concepts that I’ve seen in class.”

Patsch continued to discuss some of the benefits that she has observed as a part of the program as an undergraduate student.

“There are so many research opportunities and the professors I’ve had thus far are so caring,” she said.

“There’s a pretty massive stockpile of information and resources for students

UC Davis students share support for pro-Palestinian encampments

Students comment on the worldwide college protests supporting the Palestinian cause

BY SABRINA FIGUEROA features@theaggie.org

As children and innocent civilians continue to be killed in Gaza, students all over the world have come together in solidarity with Palestine, opposing “complicity in the Palestinian genocide,” according to one student group at UCLA — specifically by attempting to convince their universities to fully divest from Israel.

Columbia University’s students were the first to start a pro-Palestinian encampment on April 17, with many other universities following suit.

UC Davis became the eighth UC campus to join the protests when Davis Popular University for the Liberation of Palestine (PULP) set up an encampment at the Memorial Union Quad on Monday, May 6.

Students — both undergraduate and graduate — make up most of the participants of the encampment at UC Davis, according to organizers, though it is open for all ages to join. The encampment offers participating individuals food, first aid, mental health resources, community and an area that creates meaningful conversation about the conflict.

Sophia Rapacon, a second-year electrical engineering major, shared her thoughts on the new Davis encampment.

“I’ve seen people call it ‘disruptive’ to student learning, [but] I thought it was the complete opposite,” Rapacon said. “It exists only as a consistent reminder of the genocide happening in Palestine.”

Ruoda Moler, a second-year political science and psychology double major, also expressed support for the encampments.

“I think it’s great that college students are coming together in large numbers across the country to show their support for Palestine and stand up against a genocide that the entire [U.S.] government and country is turning their backs on,” Moler said. “I’m proud and happy to see that Davis has joined in the movement and I know it will make a difference.”

Mass pro-Palestinian protests have also helped students find comfort in the fact that their peers and the younger generation are willing to fight for what they want and for their futures, according to Rapacon.

“Encampments across U.S. campuses have shown the strength students have in their beliefs, despite what [administration] wants them to believe,” Rapacon said. “It makes me proud to be a student, to be a part of a group unafraid of expressing our values.”

Although many students see the encampments in a more positive light,

to chip away at, and I’m really looking forward to my next three years here as an animal science major.”

All of the animal science programs at Davis are a subset of the university’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The college offers 27 majors, including the animal science and animal science and management major. As students progress further into the animal science curriculum, many choose to apply to veterinary schools when they become upperclassmen. Students who receive their undergraduate degrees from Davis have access to the veterinary school’s resources before applying, which many consider a plus of the undergraduate animal science program.

fourth-

year animal science major, shared her thoughts on the department as a student who is graduating this year.

“The animal science classes have been really interesting and handson, which is something I don’t think you can get at a lot of other schools,”

Palarca-Wong said. “The highlight for me is definitely being in Davis, where there are so many opportunities to engage in veterinary medicine — there are clinics, volunteering and a lot of research options.”

Palarca-Wong continued by explaining what makes Davis’ labs and programs unique.

“In labs, we work with the dairy cows, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens and other animals too,” Palarca-Wong said.

“It’s really cool because we’ll learn things on paper and we get to actually

see and apply those concepts to the animals in-person. Another great thing is that all the professors who teach the courses and labs have their own research, and they take undergraduate students and will let you work with them, because Davis is a big research institution.”

Universities all over the world have specialities and programs that stand out; here at Davis, the veterinary school and animal science program are the primary example of that. Davis’ program has contributed a great deal to veterinary medicine and will continue to do so for years to come as the program continues to develop, expand and flourish.

another student who is involved in the encampment and who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said that for them, it’s difficult to see police and counterprotesters push back against the encampment and pro-Palestinian protests.

“Seeing the practice of the constitution take place through freedom of speech and freedom of protest be met with violence has been disheartening,” the student said. “Whether or not people agree with the cause, it’s despicable to have students be met with violence, especially while [protesters are] setting stuff up. It has been really hard to watch.”

Violence has been enacted against pro-Palestinian protesters at campuses all across the U.S. — including UC Davis — by counterprotesters, aggressors and law enforcement.

Two recent and violent incidents occurred on the UCLA campus in close succession. On April 30, the UCLA solidarity encampment was attacked by pro-Israel counterprotesters where, as recorded in videos, they were seen throwing fireworks into the encampment, beating students and shouting things like “second Nakba,” which refers to the ethnic cleansing, displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the 1948 ArabIsraeli war.

More violence ensued a couple days later, when in the early morning of May 2, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block made a decision to call in outside law enforcement. The Los Angeles Police Department then raided and cleared the encampment, shooting rubber bullets at students and arresting about 200 protesters.

“It’s a terrible thing,” the anonymous student said. “[Police brutality] is filled with evil and hatred, and the schools simply cannot respond to matters like this. Causing harm to students who pay for your institution and [are] asking you to allocate your money somewhere that doesn’t harm people shouldn’t be an ask that is so difficult that you must cause violence amongst those groups.”

Moler shared a similar sentiment.

“From what I’m seeing, it seems like the protests are peaceful, and there’s no reason for police to be getting violent and arresting [students who are] exercising their right to protest and free speech,” Moler said. “There’s no reason to escalate [the situation].”

Chancellors and presidents of universities play a large role in these protests, especially with how they choose to handle them. Many — like UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and Columbia University President Minouche Shafik — have lost support over their treatment of protesters from students, faculty and even donating groups and politicians.

Rapacon discussed the role of chancellors and presidents in the

Chloe Palarca-Wong, a

Even without a formal program, student journalism flourishes at UC

Davis

College journalism, both inside and outside the classroom, teaches students the skills necessary for navigating an everchanging world

BY LAILA AZHAR features@theaggie.org

On May 4, Columbia University’s radio station, WKCR 89.9FM, released a statement on the importance of journalism on college campuses.

“While these last two weeks have been an intense moment for anyone on Columbia’s campus, we want to take the time to reaffirm our belief in the necessary value of student journalism,” the statement reads. “The work being done shows us just how valuable and necessary it is to listen to student voices during these times of strife.”

The statement was put out two weeks after WKCR began covering student protests against the university’s investments in companies that profit from the Israel Palestine war and subsequent police action faced by protestors.

When the Columbia administration restricted mainstream media outlets’ access to the campus, the journalists at WKCR used their unique position as students to continue to report on the events unfolding.

Student journalism has played a major role in coverage of events unfolding on college campuses, as demonstrated by Columbia students and other outlets including UCLA’s Daily Bruin and the University of Texas at Austin’s The Daily Texan.

The same is true at UC Davis. While our university doesn’t have an official journalism program, students interested in the field have many options to practice reporting skills.

Those interested in written media have the opportunity to write for The California Aggie, the student-run campus newspaper, which robustly covers campus and city news. The paper reports on a wide variety of topics and is made up of seven desks: campus news, city news, opinion, features, arts & culture, science & technology and sports. Students can apply for staff or volunteer positions, which open quarterly, or submit opinion pieces to opinion@theaggie.org for consideration.

Outlets such as Davis Political Review and Her Campus at UCD also provide spaces for students interested in platforms focused around specific topics.

Additionally, the University Writing Program offers classes specialized in journalism skills, including “Writing

in the Professions: Journalism” (UWP 104C), which gives students practical experience researching, interviewing and writing articles.

Alexis Muthoga, a third-year African American studies major, is currently enrolled in UWP 104C and emphasized the class’ focus on handson learning.

“I would recommend the class to people who are interested in learning how to interview and do journalisticstyle writing,” Muthoga said. “Having a certain level of curiosity and interest in the subject helps you learn the most you can.” The class also provides a friendly space for students to get feedback on their writing.

“The energy in here is great,” Caitlin Ware, a third-year communications major, said. “It’s upbeat and a really positive environment. When you give feedback, you have to be strict of course, but it’s still a great environment.”

KDVS News is another example of a way students can get involved with journalism outside of the classroom. It provides a unique opportunity for students interested in broadcast journalism. The group, which is housed under campus radio station KDVS 90.3 FM, produces a bi-weekly 30-minute segment covering campus news, along with a shorter interviewfocused segment titled “Keepin’ It Freeform,” which is posted on the group’s Instagram account.

Remali De Silva, a third-year English major and the group’s news director, commented on what she hopes KDVS News will bring to reporting on the UC Davis campus.

“We think it’s important to keep the news vibrant and different and show it

in all its forms,” De Silva said.

The skills taught through practicing journalism are not solely applicable to those who want a career in journalism.

George Miller, one of the UWP 104C instructors, described the ways in which practicing journalism encourages a deeper awareness of the world.

“To make human connections, we need to be aware of what’s going [on] around us, and to be honoring life by observing it,” Miller said. “If we are patiently observing, if we’re paying attention, then we can remain curious, and we can, as writers, help to satisfy curiosity that readers have, including curiosity they didn’t even know they had.”

Miller continued by commenting on the role of journalists in today’s technologically adept world.

“No other form of writing invites distracted browsing to the extent that journalism does,” Miller said. “Every year, the attention span of readers, the different kinds of distraction that readers have, increases. You’re always, as a journalist, trying to get their attention and keep their attention, and you hope to do that honorably rather than through cheap falsifying tricks.”

In an era defined by information overload, the skills learned through journalism are essential for anyone navigating complex issues. As college journalism continues to play an important role in the media, journalistic opportunities provide a path for students to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Even without a formal program, UC Davis is still full of these opportunities for students to benefit from the lessons that journalism can teach.

U.C Davis Veterinary medicine building is located on the southwest end of campus. (Andrew Huang / Aggie)

Sudoku

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.

Crossword

Meet the UCD animals

Audrey’s guide to the critters on campus

BY AUDREY ZHANG

aurzhang@ucdavis.edu

The first time I came to UC Davis, a turkey blocked my path to the information center. I looked into its eyes. In them, I saw rage, a brutal tragic past and a thirst for first-year blood. I saw my death. But there is nothing to be afraid of. UC Davis is full of wonderful animals and they have all only hurt me a little bit.

Cheeto is my favorite — he’s the chonkiest little orange cat anyone has ever seen, and you can usually spot people spoiling him by the Physics Building. I remember the first time like it was yesterday: his fur was so soft, his paw pads were so squishy. He rolled onto his back, and the cuteness overwhelmed me. Then there was The Betrayal. I reached out to give belly rubs and he snapped. Respect everyone’s personal space. I wear these scratch marks with pride as a lesson well learned.

Ducks are everywhere, and so are their adorable ducklings. You can usually spot them in the Arboretum, but my favorite pair is the couple hanging out at the fountain in Voorhies Hall’s courtyard. I’m their biggest fan. I’ve got about a

Behind the scenes of Whole Earth Festival’s planning and preparation process

UC Davis students work hard to plan Davis’ annual three-day music and arts festival

BY GRETA FOEHR features@theaggie.org

The Whole Earth Festival (WEF), a 55-year-long tradition in Davis, took place May 10 to 12. The festival featured a large variety of art vendors, food booths and two stages with live music playing for the entirety of the event.

Jackie Allen, a third-year linguistics major who has been involved in managing WEF since their freshman year, emphasized the festival aims to be sustainable.

“We attempt to be as zero waste as we possibly can,” Allen said. “We talked to the food vendors in advance and made sure that they’re okay with using [reusable dishes provided by Segundo Dining Commons and the CoHo]. We reduce waste in that way. We also have compost and recycling stations where we sort all the trash that goes through WEF.”

Allen also said the success of the event relies on a team of students that starts working together in January to put the festival together and organizes the student and community member volunteers.

“Volunteers make WEF possible,” Allen said. “It’s a welcoming place that really ties the community together, which I think is cool.”

This year, they had somewhere between 600 to 800 volunteers helping set up, take down and run the three-day festival.

Nola Zimdars, a third-year design major, is a part of the student group in charge of WEF. Specifically, she designs the pamphlet that is passed out at the festival with all the bands, booths and a map of the grounds.

“Staff is around 35 people and we have hundreds of volunteers,” Zimdars said. “There are so many hands that work together to make everything happen leading up to the festival.”

The staff has weekly meetings in the months leading up to the festival, and everyone has their own role and part of WEF that they are in charge of planning.

“We are all such a hard working group of people who are so dedicated to cultivating community and an experience for everyone else,” Zimdars said. For example, some students are in charge of selection, screening and communication with vendors, while others do the same with bands and food booths. This team of students also decides

the theme for WEF.

“The theme this year is ‘Can you dig it?’ which is just a broad statement that we kind of leave up for interpretation,” Zimdars said. “‘Can you dig the Whole Earth Festival? Can you dig sustainability and community and music and art? Can you dig it?’”

WEF sets itself apart from other music and arts festivals through its commitment to its core beliefs. Allen resonates with what WEF stands for.

“There are four main values of WEF and those are acceptance, expression, sustainability and community,” Allen said. “And honestly, WEF has been one of the best, most inspiring communities I’ve ever been a part of.”

Nonviolence is another important aspect of the WEF, and everyone who volunteers goes through a nonviolence training put on by the student organizers.

“[Nonviolence] is an active way to

de-escalate situations,” Allen said. “We try to handle uncomfortable scenarios with empathy and with appreciation for who that person is, and with respect to ourselves. [The practice of nonviolence] is de-escalatory and it’s applicable to any situation in life. You can only handle your actions and your reactions, so we just give tools and advice for how to best handle a situation that could be stressful or overwhelming.”

Another important aspect of WEF’s operation is the transmission of knowledge between past and future members of staff.

Mike Erickson, a Davis resident, is the sound engineer for the Cedar Stage at WEF. He has always been involved in WEF, and he even skipped his eighth-grade classes to attend the very first festival in 1969.

“The difficulty of all student organizations has always been

transmitting your knowledge,” Erickson said.

The students on staff refer to the older community members who assist them in the planning process as “old weffies.”

“Old weffies help pass along the nature of WEF and maybe the WEF magic,” Zimdars said. “It’s kind of something you have to experience face-to-face in real life. Having them come to meetings once in a while [and] having them help out with the nonviolence meetings is really important because I think otherwise the information wouldn’t be passed on as accurately. Students pass through so quickly, so [old weffies’] legacy and active participation is pretty vital.”

The collaboration and support between long-term WEF volunteers and UC Davis students makes WEF a community-building space.

“The students planning WEF

[receive] an educational value and an art value,” Erickson said. “People are working together as a whole. The community, the collective, the collective people working together.” Erickson said the festival also challenges students to learn how to be self-sufficient.

“The students come out and use their hands to put together this festival,” Erickson said. “Whole Earth is a build-it-yourself type of thing, and if you’re going to build it yourself, you’ve got to learn how to use hand tools. And people who’ve never learned hand tools, learn how to use them and how to put them together.”

The hands-on process of planning and setting up the festival is a valuable experience for many students. Allen’s favorite part of WEF is setting up and taking down the festival with the help of many volunteers.

“It’s the most beautiful thing because we’re able to create two domes, two stages, a bunch of booths — it’s just magic,” Allen said.

To make space for the proPalestine encampment in the Quad this year, the directors decided to move WEF to Russell Field.

“Moving a whole festival in two days has been a lot, especially for our directors and logistics directors,” Allen said. “They’ve been working 32 hours, moving everything and making it work. But what is WEF without a little chaos?”

WEF is a unique, student-run, arts and music festival committed to its values, bringing both the local and visiting community together. Erickson expresses some other important learning opportunities that arise from WEF.

“Whole Earth is an alternative to the mainstream,” Erickson said. “I think that it’s an alternative to what the administration thinks of this campus. There are a lot of students who think this campus is here to train them and prepare them to be middle corporate managers. But there are others who see it as a place to learn, to create alternatives to corporate management.”

WEF brings joy and a sense of belonging to students and community members alike. Allen shared their deep appreciation for the energy the festival creates.

“WEF is just one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever been a part of, and I feel really grateful and lucky to have gone to Davis and to have walked onto the quad and gotten involved,” Alan said.

Volunteers and staff working in the Dome at the Whole Earth Festival. (Courtesy / Yasmeen O’Brien)

SCIENCE AND TECH

Researchers uncover chemical compound to combat crop losses

The compound disrupts the process of autophagy, a process that maintains homeostasis, in fungi

BY ARYAMAN BHATIA science@theaggie.org

Researchers at UC Davis have published a study identifying a potent new fungicide that could revolutionize crop protection. Named ebselen, the chemical has shown remarkable efficacy in combating fungal infections in various crops. Additionally, it has demonstrated the ability to alleviate pre-existing fungal infections in rice.

Fungal pathogens wreak havoc on global crop yields.

“Annual crop losses are estimated to be USD 550 billion worldwide,” the study reads. “About 40% of the total crop loss is due to plant diseases of which loss by fungal pathogens is about USD 150 billion.”

In the study, which was published in Nature Communications, UC

13, 2024, 1:53

It has been one week since the PULP encampment was set up in the Memorial Union Quad. Since last Monday there have been counter protests, several donations made to the encampment and an alleged assault on a PULP member. A media coordinator with the group recently shared that negotiations with the university are expected to start sometime this week.

“It’s going to be our first meeting [with the university this week], we just aren’t quite sure yet how things are gonna go,” the coordinator said. “But we are hopeful and have faith that our negotiators are going to do a good job.”

In order to join the encampment, participants have to check in at the PULP entrance. The coordinator said there have been around 1000 checkins since last Monday and that there are typically around 200 people who stay overnight.

“We have more systems in terms of dealing with food and dealing with cleaning up and maintaining the camp,” the coordinator discussed what has changed since day one. “At the beginning, there was such an influx of donations that things just kind of were not organized well. But now we’re getting much more organized and things are running smoothly.”

The coordinator shared why they feel hopeful about negotiations.

“I think because we have so much community support, we feel hopeful,” they said.

“But we just are just really confident in our negotiators and confident that we’re going to stick to our demands.”

May 13, 2024, 11:48 a.m. — By CHRIS PONCE

Today, Aggies for Israel (AFI) held a small demonstration in front of the Quad. They hung an Israeli flag from a tree and set up missing posters of Israeli Hostages taken by Hamas. Since Oct. 7, it is believed Hamas has been holding around 100 people hostage.

“It’s to bring awareness of the people that were taken hostage into Gaza, or kidnapped or murdered,” Elizabeth, a member of Aggies for Israel who didn’t feel comfortable sharing their last name, said. “I mean, so we’re just bringing awareness to the people that are still there since Oct. 7.”

It has been one week since PULP organizers set up their encampment in the Memorial Union Quad in support of Palestine. Elizabeth shared her thoughts on the encampment.

“I don’t want to speak for everyone, but I know that I just want a peaceful campus,” Elizabeth said. “I just know that this is a very tough situation and some people are very personally involved. And I hope that those of whose family are also doing okay.”

Davis researchers explain how they targeted autophagy, a vital cellular recycling process crucial for fungal pathogenicity. “We discovered that macroautophagy plays an important role in delimiting the PCD [programmed cell death] to the infection site,” the lab website reads. “Autophagy is a dynamic process conserved across eukaryotes that entails the engulfment of cellular components in double membrane vesicles called autophagosomes that are then targeted to the vacuole/lysosome for degradation or recycling.”

According to senior author Savithramma Dinesh-Kumar, a professor of plant biology, ebselen’s efficacy lies in its ability to disrupt fungal autophagy, offering valuable insights into the development of next-

working fervently to get his name on the ballot across the country. He recently announced his running mate to be Nicole Shanahan, which is expected to accelerate the petition process. What the Washington Post’s study found was that in two of the four states (Wisconsin and Pennsylvania), adding RFK to the mix changed the winner. In both states, polls that excluded Kennedy were evenly split between Biden and Trump, but once Kennedy was included Biden pulled ahead in Wisconsin and Trump pulled ahead in Pennsylvania. In Georgia and Michigan, Trump won in both polls but by slightly different margins.

Disclaimer: Because we are currently still quite far away from election day, these polls are going to change dramatically. As we get closer to November, predictions will get more accurate, but they will always still be only guesses. This is especially true in today’s political climate, where the contest is so close that the outcome is incredibly difficult to predict. In fact, it’s the very reason that the race is so neck-and-neck that RFK even stands to be a spoiler. When we’re talking about just a couple of percentage points being the deciding factor, any votes cast for Kennedy that take away from one of the other candidates can make a real dent in the outcome.

This is also only true because of our plurality winner-takes-all electoral system — we can only have one winner, so it doesn’t matter how large of a percentage the winning candidate gets as long as they get more than the other candidates. In a system of proportional representation, a minor party wouldn’t be able to sway the race one way or another because parties would win legislative seats proportional to the number of votes they received. It wouldn’t matter if a minor party took a few of the votes; the majority of the population would still be represented by the top-winning candidates.

But in our system, the “first past the post” of 270 electoral votes wins the whole race. In an atmosphere where, for example, Biden won states like Arizona and Georgia by 0.3% of the vote in 2020, any candidate taking any small percentage of the vote can sway the race.

RFK hasn’t been taking votes away from one candidate in particular (though some sources have cited him to be impacting one party or another more at certain points in time), and it remains unknown whether or not he’ll dig more from the voters that would have otherwise supported Biden or Trump. His following is relatively small as of today, but as we know, that’s all it takes to affect an election in our current political climate.

So will Kennedy be a spoiler in the 2024 presidential election? We don’t know. But there’s a very real possibility that he could, a much more likely possibility than was initially posed.

As frustrating as it is, the consensus is maybe. But maybe is significant — maybe is all it could take.

generation antifungal compounds.

Using an innovative screening method based on bioluminescence, the researchers identified 30 chemicals capable of inhibiting a key enzymatic step in fungal autophagy. Among these, ebselen emerged as the most promising candidate, outperforming existing fungicides in preventing fungal growth.

By targeting this process, researchers believe they can significantly reduce fungal pathogenicity. Petri dish experiments revealed ebselen’s ability to inhibit fungal germination and growth, protecting various plant species from infection. Moreover, it showed promise in treating existing fungal infections in rice plants.

While initial tests suggest ebselen specificity in inhibiting fungal autophagy, further research is needed

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

“My style of playing is very much inspired by a combination of musicians who inspire me,” Foehr said. “I guess you add your own touch.”

Lizerbram highlighted their first performance as being the band’s most memorable.

“I think all of us were so nervous, and everyone was so surprised, I think, with the turnout,” Lizerbram said. “It was so fun, because everyone was getting into that performance. We ended up sounding really good, so that was an exciting thing for us, because we could actually go somewhere with this [the band].”

Foehr circled back to the general Davis scene and the band’s excitement about the upcoming show.

“We are grateful that Davis has such a thriving music scene,” Foehr said. “Everyone is so supportive of new bands. It’s really unique and cool that we were able to start playing a month and a half ago and now we are playing shows all the time. It’s just great that we have such a supportive community and we’re able to share our music with people.”

Another Davis-based band, Agraria, has been performing at a variety of shows and is no stranger to the Davis music scene. The band is made up of guitarist Morgan Henry, bassist Jordan Hekker, drummer Zelalem Berhanu and vocalist and guitarist Clariss.

Clariss discussed the vibrant music scene at the Davis Tri-Cooperatives and how that environment factored into the creation of the name.

“I came up with the name Agraria from the house that I live at, which is called ‘Agrarian Effort,’” Clariss said.

The band’s inspiration for music comes from the artists they listen to, mainly revolving around indie pop and jazz.

“It’s really cool because we all sort of have different music tastes, so coming and practicing, making something new, is a really fun process,” Clariss said. “It’s nice seeing what works and what doesn’t work, especially with our different tastes in music.”

The group mentioned that the upcoming show will be their last for a while.

“It will be our last show for a while, because I’ll be moving out in a month,” Clarris said. “Hopefully, we will be back soon.”

to assess its safety and potential crossreactivity. The UC Davis team plans to expand their screening efforts to identify additional autophagy modulators with broader applications.

“Since autophagy is highly conserved across different organisms, including humans, more work needs to be done to test the cross-reactivity of the drug,” Dinesh-Kumar said during an interview with the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences.

The team now plans to test a larger variety of chemicals to see if they produce similar effects.

“The chemical space is very large, and some chemical libraries have more than 50,000 compounds,” DineshKumar said. “The next step will be to screen for additional autophagy modulators that might help control not just plant fungal pathogens, but also human fungal pathogens.”

Other than looks, the night also included a surprise performance from Grande, who sang both past hits and new songs from her latest album, “Eternal Sunshine.” Whimsical and fairy-like, Grande shocked everyone when videos of her performance were posted on social media, given the strict rule against photos and videos once inside the gala.

Additionally, many Met Gala regulars such as Blake Lively, Rihanna and Timothee Chalamet were nowhere to be seen this year. Overall, many stars left something to be desired in regards to their outfits. While there were many looks that garnered a double-take, most simply fell short. As someone who sits in her dorm watching the Met Gala in her pajamas, all I can hope for is for better looks next year, and men who aren’t afraid to defy traditional gender norms — because sticking a flower on your black tux is not enough.

has been the closest that the Oilers have come to beating the Canucks all season. In the four matchups between the Oilers and Canucks during the regular season, the Oilers lost all five games by a total margin of 21-7. Only time will tell if a similar pattern will occur in the rest of the series.

As the competition begins to intensify, the title of champion is up for grabs for a new team this year, as the previous Stanley Cup winners, the Vegas Golden Knights, were knocked out of the race for the title during the first round of the Super 16. With multiple games left to go in the second round and the conference finals prior to the final, we will have to wait till June to learn which team will take home the coveted title.

merchandising, yet she has failed to take advantage of it. Meanwhile, artists like Eilish have switched to more eco-friendly vinyl options made from recycled materials, they also don’t release nearly as many variants as Swift does, showcasing that it is possible to have satisfied fans while also paying mind to sustainable practices. In the past, Swift has showcased her power to motivate and mobilize young people to vote, so it is clear that she has the power to inflict social change. It would be encouraging to see Swift acknowledge the wastefulness of her merchandising strategy and commit to producing merchandise that is ethically and sustainably produced. She clearly has the resources to make this switch, and it is far past time for her fans to call her out for her unsustainable merchandising practices. If Swift doesn’t do it herself, we as fans must not buy into her marketing ploys. After all, does anyone really need eight vinyl variants of the same album? I don’t think so.

Next on the list is Creative Differences, a band consisting of drummer Larson McDonald, vocalist Ryan Petersen and bass guitarist Aiden Penry, who first met on a field trip in the 5th grade and went on to form their band in high school. The band name was established after Petersen had mentioned to Larson that most bands split up because of creative differences, which is a term Larson had never heard of before — leading to their name. They describe their music as “angsty emo cryptid core alt music.” When asked about their creative process, it’s one that’s dependent on accidental instances, like butt dials.

“Larson will butt dial me and leave his phone on for hours,” the band said. “[We’ll] just sit and record the phone calls while he’s humming in the shower or doing laundry, and I’ll send them back to him as though they’re my own song ideas. That’s the only way we can find song ideas we [all] agree on.”

All of the bands featured at the upcoming Eclectic Collective collaboration with The Aggie have other performances that will be available and updated through their social media platforms. If you can’t make it to a live event, there are still plenty of ways to support these local artists, but this upcoming Couch Concert is sure to be one you won’t want to miss.

Central Division: C1 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche Going into game three, the series between the Stars and Avalanche was tied 1-1. While the series is anybody's game, the Avalanche has better odds of winning the next game with a money line (ML) of -130, as the Stars have an ML of +110. Additionally, of the 24 workers at ESPN who predicted the winners of each division, the workers said that the Stars would win in 17 of the 24 picks, with the most common prediction being that the Stars would win in seven. Following the first game, the Avalanche led the series after winning 4-3 in overtime with a goal from leftwing Miles Wood at 11:03 minutes. In the second game of the series, the Stars came back and beat the Avalanche 5-3 to prevent a 0-2 deficit in the series. Although the Stars won the game, the Avalanche were close to making a comeback when they closed the 0-4 Stars lead to 3-4 after scoring three goals in the third period. However, after opening up the goal and creating a 6-on-4 scenario to better increase their chances of making a comeback, the Stars were able to grow the deficit to 5-3 and secure their win after defenseman Esa Lindell scored on the open net.

Pacific Division: P1 Vancouver Canucks vs. P2 Edmonton Oilers Currently, the Canucks lead the series 1-0 with at least three to possibly six more games still to follow, depending on if the Oilers can prevent the Canucks from creating a more significant lead. Between the two teams, the Oilers are viewed by many to have a better chance of winning the next game with a money line (ML) of -125 odds, while the Canucks have an ML of +105. Additionally, of the 24 workers at ESPN predictions, the workers predicted that the Oilers would win in 23 of the 24 picks, with the most common prediction being that the Oilers would win in six. In the first game, the Canucks came back from a 4-1 deficit to win 5-4 with three goals in the last period of the game from center J.T. Miller, defenseman Nikita Zadorov, and right-wing Conor Garland. Despite it still being only the beginning of the series and the Oilers are favored to win, game one of the series

The Los Angeles Clippers also fell far short of expectations and were handed a first round loss by the younger Dallas Mavericks led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in the sixth game. The team was led by Forward Kawhi Leonard, Forward Paul George, Guard James Harden and Guard Russell Westbrook. This is the third series Leonard has sat out hurt for some period of time in the playoffs, which once again had a huge effect on how the series turned out. With the four once superstars hitting their mid-30’s, the team may need to rebuild their core players for the future.

With the league becoming more of a fast-paced game and the offense having a larger emphasis than defense, many young and emerging stars have mainly been smaller guards than forwards or centers.

Examples of emerging guards highlighted in the playoffs are the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, the Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton, the 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, the Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, the Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards and the Thunders’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. All these guards have showcased the importance of having a scoring and playmaking guard on your team, especially in the playoffs.

Even the 2024 number one pick, the Spur’s Center Victor Wembanyama, and 2023 number two pick, the Thunders’ Center Chet Holmgren, have guard-oriented skills such as threepoint shooting, ball handling skills and playmaking ability. The talent level in the NBA has increased by a substantial amount over the past decade.

Although the stars we once knew may not be playing in following years, they have exceeded expectations for their consistency at their age. James at 39 years old became the first player in NBA history to exceed 40,000 alltime career points, which continues to increase. Curry at 36 years old continues to increase his three-point shooting record which stands at 3,747, about 774 more three-pointers than the second highest in NBA history. Durant finished with his 15th consecutive season of averaging over 25 points per game in a season (while healthy). Curry, Durant and James look to join Team USA in the 2024 Olympics that will be held this upcoming summer in Paris, France. Along with other American superstar-caliber players, the team will look to gain their 17th gold medal in Olympic history.

May

p.m. — By CHRIS PONCE

SPORTS

CHEER

Cheer and stunt make the ultimate leap

UC Davis cheer team reveals plans for new program

BY MI'ZAUNI REESE sports@theaggie.org

As preparation for another football season is underway, UC Davis athletics is getting ready to show off their new talent. The team on the field is not the only component of a successful season — the UC Davis cheerleaders entertain the crowd and spread excitement. Present for every home football and basketball game, the cheerleaders serve one purpose: to spread Aggie spirit. These students put their all into their athleticism and charisma, engaging with the crowd and supporting our players in the game. From tumbling and back flips to stunting and pyramids, these athletes know how to put on a show, and they do it all with a big smile.

Although fans already love the cheerleaders, Head Coach Vanessa Kitley has new and bigger plans for the team. With the program divided in two, cheer and stunt, Kitley wants to put an emphasis on the Stunt program this year, creating a more prepared competitive team. The cheer team will remain the same during games with sideline cheers and stunts during games, occasionally throwing t-shirts and taking pictures with children.

With a goal to expand the program, Kitley has accepted 37 athletes for this upcoming season, a larger team than has been seen in previous years. Kitley intends to start a new regimen with

National Hockey League’s Elite 8: the remaining teams still battling for the Stanley Cup

BY CAROLYN (CARI) FENN sports@theaggie.org

The new Stanley Cup champion will be crowned in a little over a month The Vegas Golden

With the first round of the playoffs in the National Hockey League (NHL) completed and the Super 16 now becoming the Elite 8, one team is a step closer to claiming the coveted Stanley Cup. The Elite 8 teams entering the second round of the playoffs are the Florida Panthers, the Boston Bruins, the New York Rangers, the Carolina Hurricanes, the Dallas Stars, the Colorado Avalanche, the Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers. Of the eight remaining teams, all are ranked first or second within their division except for the Avalanche, ranked third, having beaten out the second-ranked Winnipeg Jets.

While all the teams are vying for the coveted title of champion and the ability to hold the Stanley Cup over their head in celebration, for some, the win would be a rather monumental occasion for their franchise. For the Canucks and Panthers, this year could signify their first-ever Stanley Cup win. The Canucks have been in the NHL since 1970, and the Panthers have been in the NHL since 1993, so for both teams, a Stanley Cup win this season could end a franchise-long drought.

Although no team has officially claimed a spot in the conference finals, many have predicted who they believe will make it to the final four from each division matchup.

Atlantic Division: A1 Florida Panthers vs. A2 Boston Bruins

Going into game three, the series between the Panthers and Bruins is tied 1-1. Despite the current tie, the Panthers are given better odds of winning the next matchup with a money line (ML) of -125, while the Bruins have an ML of +105. Additionally, of the 24 workers at ESPN who were asked to predict the

2-1 loss.

winner of each division, they predicted that the Panthers would win in 23 of the 24 picks, with the most common prediction being that the Panthers would win in six. In the first matchup between the Bruins and Panthers, the Bruins won by a landslide with a final score of 5-1. The large deficit for the Bruins was due to goalie Jeremy Swayman's impressive performance, who saved 38 shots and had an impressive save percentage of 0.947%. Although the Bruins won game one by a large margin, the Panthers didn’t allow the Bruins to celebrate for too long, as in game two, the Panthers came back and beat the Bruins 6-1. While many players contributed to the Panther's overwhelming victory, center Aleksander Barkov, who had two goals and two assists, and center Sam Reinhart, who had four assists, were major playmakers of the night.

Metropolitan Division: M1 New York Rangers vs. M2 Carolina Hurricanes Going into game four, the Rangers swept the Hurricanes in the series with a 3-0 lead. Even though the Rangers are currently dominating the Hurricanes in

the series, the odds are rather divided on which team will win the series. Based on betting odds, the Hurricanes are favored to win the next matchup, as shown by the money line (ML) of -145, while the Rangers have an ML of +125. In contrast, of the 24 workers at ESPN who were asked to predict the winner of each division, they predicted that the Rangers would win the series in 14 of the 24 picks, with the most common prediction being that the Rangers would win in seven.

In the first and second games of the series between the Rangers and Hurricanes, the Rangers won with a final score of 4-3. Their victory in the second game came during the second overtime from a goal by center Vincent Trocheck at 7:24 minutes. In the third matchup, the Rangers again came out with a winning score of 3-2 after leftwing Artemi Panarin scored a goal in only a minute and 43 seconds into overtime. Additionally, The Rangers largely owe their win in game three to their goalie, Igor Shesterkin, who made 45 saves, which resulted in a save percentage of 0.957%.

who dominated during the 2010 to 2020 NBA era are no longer competing in the playoffs, at least for this year.

This is the first time that fans will not see Suns Forward Kevin Durant, Lakers Forward Lebron James and Warriors Point Guard Stephen Curry in a playoff series past the first round since 2005. The three superstar players combined have achieved 10 championships and seven Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards from 2010 to 2021. The three athletes are highly regarded as the faces of the NBA from the 2010’s era of Curry’s Warriors were the first to go in the NBA playoffs, as they lost to the Sacramento Kings in the first game of the playin game tournament, which can make or break a team’s chance in the playoffs. may be the

morning workouts, a personal team trainer and a nutritionist to improve the team’s overall health and performance. The girls have committed to dedicating five days a week to cheer in hopes of seeing growth in the team and program.

As for stunts, this side of the program will become more intense. Tryouts are now completely separate, and as they have become more strenuous, the team will display an increase in athleticism. The stunt team learns over 20 routines, performing at tournaments from February to April with nationals held in May. The cheerleaders compete in tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids, basket tosses and the overall team routines in five separate performances per tournament. These routines are precise, fast-paced and at a high skill level, requiring full commitment and dedication from the athletes.

Coach Kitley has intentions to not only prioritize but to expand this program, as she has now tied basketball cheer to stunts, meaning if you cheer for the basketball season you are also required to do stunts. This will encourage athletes to take the leap and join the team, despite the larger and more demanding commitment. After placing eighth in the conference last year, Kitley and her team with their hard work and implementation of new initiatives intend to raise their ranking and make a name for the UC Davis cheer program.

Mystik Dan wins 150th Kentucky Derby

BY LUCIENNE BROOKER sports@theaggie.org

The winner of the 150th Kentucky Derby was decided by little more than a flared nostril.

As the 19 horses sprinted toward the finish line, three pulled out in front of the pack and remained side-by-side as they passed the finishing post.

Too close to declare a winner, the finish line photos were taken into consideration. After careful examination, #3 Mystik Dan and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. were declared the winners of the most-watched horse race in the United States.

In one of the most dramatic races in recent memory, champion Dan got off to a slow start. Trapped against the railing in the middle of the pack, he hovered in sixth place until Hernandez Jr. spotted an opportunity. As leader Track Phantom was challenged on the outside by favored horse Fierceness, his jockey pulled him away from the inside. Hernandez Jr. muscled Dan into the gap to jump into the lead by a length.

However, several horses kicked into higher gear as they approached the final stretch. Shoulder to shoulder, Sierra Leone and Forever Young made a final charge, managing to draw even with Dan.

As the three horses crossed the finish line side by side, a confused roar settled over the crowd. There was no way to tell who had been first from the live recording, so officials turned to photographs to determine the winner.

Ultimately, Dan’s nose was the hero for trainer Kenny McPeek. Raising his head at just the last moment, the longshot clinched himself, Hernandez Jr. and McPeek their first Kentucky Derby title. Dan came into the race with odds of 18-1, far from the favorite. Having won two of his six starts, he was considered

last time fans see the dominant core of Curry, Forward Draymond Green and Shooting Guard Klay Thompson all in the same jersey. The trio gathered four championships from 2015 to 2022 together, cementing themselves as having one of the most dominant dynasties in sports history.

James’ Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in five games, which makes it the second year in a row the Nuggets ended their season.

The Nuggets were led by Center Nikola Jokic, who was just awarded his third MVP in the past four years.

Nuggets Point Guard Jamal Murray hit two game-winners in the series. The first game winner happened in the second game after the Lakers’ blew a 20-point lead. The other game winner occurred in game five to send the Lakers home. With James hinting at retirement being “not very far” in the future, the 21-year pro veteran may call it quits sooner rather than later.

Durant’s Phoenix Suns were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in round one, suffering four straight losses. With three max contracts including Durant, Guard Devin Booker and Guard Bradley Beal, the Suns may look to make major changes to the roster and coaching personnel during the offseason.

The Timberwolves, led by rising superstar Guard Anthony Edwards at just 22 years old, averaged 31 points along with eight rebounds and two

an underdog. However, favored horse Fierceness, with odds of 5-2, performed poorly and finished in 15th place. Another favorite Leone, with odds of 3-1, was defeated by Dan’s nose in the final seconds of the race. Leone's jockey Tyler Gaffalione's actions during the race are now being reviewed for unsportsmanlike conduct. As horses Leone and Young advanced down the track shoulder to shoulder, photos appeared to show Gaffalione reaching his left hand out and touching Young. After the race, his trainer Chad Brown defended him.

“What Tyler was really attempting to do was make room for his left stick, which [Leone] really respects and keeps him straight,” Brown said to the Courier Journal.

Gaffalione has been ordered to attend a film review with Kentucky Derby stewards and may face disciplinary action.

Looking forward, no horse has won the Triple Crown since Justify in 2018. Dan’s status for the Preakness Stakes, the second race in the series, is currently unknown. He has returned to regular training but McPeek is hesitant to confirm his participation in the Preakness.

"If he's healthy, we're not scared to go," McPeek told CBS Sports. "If we feel like [...] he needs more time, we'll give it to him. It's all gray; there is no black and white."

Although everyone will be eager to see if he can repeat his impressive run, the Preakness Stakes will have an exciting field of competitors regardless of Dan’s presence. While the draw has not yet taken place, some potential horses to watch are Muth, with early odds of 10-11, and Tuscan Gold, odds of 5-1. The field currently is capped at 14 horses.

The Preakness Stakes will take place on May 18 at 3:50 p.m. PT.

steals. Some are saying that Edwards is becoming the “new face of the NBA” from his improvement over the past couple of years, and some even go as far as to say he is the next Kobe or Michael Jordan.

Other notable young teams are also on the rise. The Oklahoma City Thunder also swept the New Orleans Pelicans in four games led by MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 27.3 points per game in the series. The Thunder have the second youngest team in the NBA currently with an average player age of 25 years old. They achieved NBA history this regular season by becoming the youngest number one-seeded team ever. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Point Guard Damian Lillard and Forward Khris Middleton faced an upset by the Pacers led by young star Guard Tyrese Haliburton in six games. Injuries to Antetokounmpo and Middleton may have been the deciding factor of the series. The signing of Coach Doc Rivers mid-season may not have been the best move for the Bucks, as they finished the season with a 17-19 record under Rivers after going 30-13 with former Coach Adrian Griffin. The window to win a championship with this trio may be closing faster than expected due to age, as Lillard will turn 34 entering next season while Middleton will be turning 33.

Longshot Mystik Dan was declared the winner after a close finish and photo review

STANLEYCUP on 11

KELLIE LU / AGGIE