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VOLUME 148, ISSUE 10 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

40,000 UC service, medical workers enter two-day strike Several food locations on campus shut down as unions protested alleged bad faith

BY KHADEEJAH KHAN, JESSICA YUNG and VINCE BASADA campus@theaggie.org Labor unions representing food service, technical and healthcare staff across the UC system entered a two-day strike on Wednesday, Nov. 20 both in protest of a stalled contract dispute and against what they allege are bad faith negotiations from UC administrators.

Picketers organized at the Hutchison Intramural Field, at the intersection of La Rue Road and Hutchinson Drive. Strikers set up tents and green signs reading, “AFSCME On Strike.”

AFSCME 3299 had plans to demonstrate on the field from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the rain, according to its Instagram page.

The workers are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 (AFSCME 3299) and the University Professional and Technical Employees at UCSF (UPTE). Together they represent nearly 40,000 workers across 10

Even in the rain, workers unionized with the AFSCME 3299 and UPTE unions strike. (Ojas Mishra / Aggie) campuses and a handful of auxiliary and healthcare locations, including some 6,000 at UC Davis.

“By refusing to bargain in good faith, the University has made it clear that it does not value the frontline workers who clean its facilities, serve students food and treat patients,”

AFSCME 3299 President Michael Avant said in a statement on the strike.

“If UC refuses to meet its most basic legal responsibilities to employees, we will hold them accountable by exercising our legal right to strike.”

The union says that the UC has failed to bargain over plans to increase

LGBTQIA Resource Center holds Transgender Day of Remembrance and Rage

The march is the first in the center’s history and was held to support the transgender community on campus in the face of growing anti-trans legislation

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

Students march for transgender rights on Nov. 20, 2024. (Ojas Mishra / Aggie) leaving the country or even detransitioning due to post-election safety concerns.

“Its been depressing, post election [at] the center felt more like a funeral [and] the center is usually pretty happy,” the organizer said. “I mean, it has a lot of things in it. It’s a place where a lot of people come to feel a myriad of emotions. Post election, it’s been a feeling of anxiety.”

Protestors gathered in the LGBTQIA Resource Center at 11 a.m., where a presentation was held to demonstrate how to create protective sigils. By 12:05 p.m., roughly 50 protestors had gathered on the Memorial Union South Patio in the rain. Komolika Basu, the creator of Sakhi, a club for South Asian and Middle Eastern students within the LGBTQIA community or who are questioning, read a speech to the crowd on the importance of the day and resilience moving forward.

A list of pre-approved chants was handed out before the march began.

Some of the chants included were: “They kill us, they fuck us, our bodies they don’t trust them. We riot, we riot, our bodies are above them”; “No restrooms, no sports, they want us to revolt” and “No borders, no nations, trans liberation.” These and others were used over the duration of the march.

Within a few minutes of the march’s start time, individuals with megaphones began shouting a variety of other chants, including some

from previous pro-Palestine protests and other similarly pro-Palestine/ transgender advocacy chants. Some chants included: “Queers and trans, we demand freedom for Gaza, free Sudan”; “Nex Benedict we remember, trans lives will live forever”; “We will never stay quiet, the first ride was a riot” and “Admin let transphobia slide, they are not on our side.” Although the chants differed from the pre-approved list, most of the crowd chanted along.

Flaugher commented on the proPalestine chants.

“It wasn’t a surprise,” Flaugher said. “We support queer students’ freedom of expression.”

The crowd also demanded the termination of Beth Bourne, a UC Davis STEPS+ program coordinator who is an active anti-transgender rights advocate. She was a popular subject on social media platforms over the summer, which resulted in UC Davis releasing a statement about her behavior. This demand, however, is not on the list of demands that the center created.

“I think Beth Bourne herself is not a particularly rare occurrence,” the student organizer said. “She’s more like a microcosm of how the university allows hate speech to happen on campus [...] The university will allow [this] to happen so long as it doesn’t cut into their public perception or bottom line.”

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CAMPUSSTRIKE on 9

City of Davis unveils new artwork in memory of UC Davis student Karim Abou Najm

Najm’s family, friends and community members met to discuss his life and legacy

BY RORY CONLON city@theaggie.org

BY RIVERS STOUT campus@theaggie.org On Nov. 20, the LGBTQIA Resource Center’s Trans Day of Remembrance and Rage march was held around the UC Davis campus for the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The event was held to show that transgender voices will remain active despite a record increase in hostile legislation, and that the center will continue to resist anti-trans violence, according to Black Flaugher, the director of the LGBTQIA Resource Center. The center also produced a list of demands to the university in order to create a safer space for students.

Flaugher spoke on the significance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance and how the march supports its values.

“Today was all about marching in support of trans lives,” Flaugher said. “Trans people are prone to many forms of violence every day, and today — Trans Day of Remembrance — was all about honoring those trans siblings lost to anti-trans violence.”

An anonymous transgender student organizer had differing reasons for participating in the march.

“We were here to inspire rage in the trans community,” the student organizer said. “I think that what has been happening in terms of the election and UC Davis’ largely inactive movements to try and defend trans students have been forming a lot of rage in the community, a lot of anxiety specifically.”

They also noted that members at the center have been feeling much fear after the election with some trans community members considering

healthcare costs by hundreds of dollars monthly and that facilities are regularly understaffed. Union members have also noted that current wages make it difficult to find living close to campus.

“Our bargaining team has been meeting with the UC’s bargaining team and they have come unprepared,”

Leticia Garcia-Prado, a medical assistant at the Student Health Center, said. “[UC negotiators] have not been giving us what we have been asking. They have time, they have weeks ahead but they have come with no proposals. They have been unfaithfully bargaining and that’s why we are doing this, because we want them to bargain fairly for us and they have not.”

Negotiations have been underway for almost a year, yet due to alleged bad-faith negotiations, they have not reached an agreement, according to Garcia-Prado.

Hamsa Parab, a thirdyear cognitive science major and intern with AFSCME 3299, expanded on the alleged wrongdoings of the UC system. “[UC negotiators] are not coming in with the right information, or they’re withholding impor tant information for those negotiations,” Parab said.

“That’s illegal when it comes to negotiating a contract.

The city of Davis unveiled a new art piece in memory of Karim Abou Najm on Nov. 22 at Sycamore Park.

Najm was a 20-year-old UC Davis student when he became the victim of a homicide while biking home in April 2023.

Ahead of unveiling the new artwork, Najm’s family, friends and fellow community members gathered in the Robert E. Willett Elementary School multipurpose room. Davis Vice Mayor Bapu Vaitla spoke about his legacy, recalling words from an essay Najm wrote a year before his passing.

“The first words of the essay are, ‘I’m afraid of death,’ which by itself is a remarkably brave sentiment coming from a 19-year-old,” Vaitla said.

“When you read [his] essays, turning page after page, you realize this was no ordinary 19-year-old.”

Vaitla never met Karim when he was alive, but he connected with the Najm family after his passing. He said reading Karim’s essays helped him understand what the community lost. “[Karim] wrote, ‘I’m scared that one day, the love for my mother will die with me, and her love of me with her,’” Vaitla said. “It’s overwhelming to realize how much Karim loved to be alive and how much he loved the people around him.”

At the time of his passing, Najm

was a fourth-year computer science major months away from graduating.

He received a posthumous degree from UC Davis in 2023.

Pablo Reguerin, the vice chancellor of student affairs at UC Davis, provided remarks at the event on behalf of Chancellor Gary May. “Karim was a shining star, a talented student and a devoted friend,” Reguerin said. “He not only had the technical expertise and the intellect to thrive as a software engineer, but he had an open heart as well. He was devoted to his fellow students, from serving as a mentor to simply helping others in their time of need.”

The art for Najm is titled “Fiat Lux,” which translates to “let there be light” in Latin. It stands on top of a berm in Sycamore Park, the site where he lost his life.

Public artist Nicole Beck created the piece in collaboration with a large team from the city of Davis and other art companies that specialize in fabricating different materials. Beck said she asked an artistic mentor for advice before taking on the project.

“I asked [my mentor] and she said, ‘Maybe you can be of help,’” Beck said. “It refocuses what I do. It’s for a greater purpose.”

Beck designed the piece in the shape of a torus, the building block of light, and configured a piece of glass at the top to resemble the constellation Phoenix.

MEMORIALART on 9

Majdi Abou Najm, the father of Karim Abou Najm, speaks about his son for the unveiling of the “Fiat Lux” memorial. (Andrew Huang / Aggie)

2 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

Armadillo Music hosts ‘Wicked’ The city of Woodland is buzzing over The Hive’s soundtrack listening party

Local music shop celebrated the long-awaited release of the new movie musical

The “Wicked” soundtrack album as decoration for the listening party at Armadillo Music. (Ojas Mishra / Aggie)

BY OLIVIA HOKR city@theaggie.org On Nov. 22, Armadillo Music invited “Wicked” fans to come together and enjoy a free listening party dedicated to the new movie musical adaptation. The Davis-favorite music shop gave away prizes during the event and those who purchased a “Wicked” vinyl or CD were given a free poster.

Armadillo Music in Downtown Davis is known for their welcoming atmosphere and events. Hosting listening parties is a staple event for Armadillo: Some of the recent parties were for Linkin Park’s “From Zero,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” and Remi Wolf ’s “Big Ideas.”

With the excitement surrounding that week’s public premiere of the new “Wicked” movie, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Armadillo provided the free event for fans to get together and appreciate the soundtrack.

To inform the community of upcoming festivities, Armadillo Music is active on Instagram and shares details about all of their events. For the “Wicked” listening party, they provided an on-theme flyer with

information about what attendees can expect.

“We will play the soundtrack in the store and give away prizes to many in attendance, including Wicked tote bags & turntable slipmats,” Armadillo said in an Instagram post. “We also have full-sized Wicked posters to give away with purchase of the CD or the vinyl, while supplies last!”

Attendees were encouraged to dress for the occasion by wearing green or pink, a representation of the two witches. Many guests dressed accordingly, and some took it to the next level. Alejandra, a fourthyear linguistics major, dressed up as Elphaba by painting herself green.

“I am dressed as, obviously, Miss Witch,” Alejandra said. “We were actually going to watch the movie after the listening party so we just wanted to come listen to the soundtrack, really appreciate it in all its glory and

then see the visuals paired with the soundtrack later on. We’re just really excited, we’re really big fans and we’ve been waiting for a movie since the musical isn’t shown all the time.”

Her friend, Allison Keleher, a fourth-year managerial economics major, dressed as Glinda to complete the duo and bring the vision of the two witches to life.

“I heard they were giving out free stuff, and I wanted to see the movie,” Keleher said. “So I’m wearing an ensemble with a pink t-shirt and a pink blanket so it’s like a dress, and my face is painted pink.”

During these listening parties, Armadillo’s bar, known as The Bootleg, is always open for 21+ listeners to enjoy. The record store also hosts events throughout each month such as Suds & Sounds and Bikes and Beats for community members to mingle and show appreciation for their music taste.

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

Sudwerk Brewing Co. holds its annual Punksgiving benefit concert

The punk-themed concert raised $780 for the Yolo Food Bank

BY YUENJO FAN city@theaggie.org On Saturday, Nov. 16, Sudwerk Brewing Co. hosted its annual Punksgiving benefit concert in support of the Yolo Food Bank. As Thanksgiving neared, the show featured the bands Cowboys After Dark, Playground Hooligans, Bass Feens and Wet Wreckless to commemorate the punk genre, alongside other genres of rock, in solidarity with the local food bank.

Evan Daly, a Davis local and organizer of Punksgiving, gave insight into the importance of punk rock as a genre.

“Punk rock is all about selfexpression and resistance against the establishment and dominant culture that is constantly seeking to oppress us and rob us of our individuality, of our personal cultures and everything that makes us individual and free in this world,” Daly said.

A musician since his youth, Daly is no stranger to helping boost the Davis music scene. For over a decade, he has been performing shows and fundraisers in the city. For Daly, music is crucial for a sense of togetherness in

Davis.

“We need to constantly be gathering our communities, coming together, supporting each other because we are all we have,” Daly said. “And that’s what punk rock is all about. It’s about unity. It’s about community. To raise money for the food bank, that is totally right in line with punk rock values. For me, it was amazing.”

As Daly manned the sound system while concert-goers vibed and headbanged, punk’s impact was on full display. An elderly couple danced to a cover of My Chemical Romance’s “Teenagers,” and a young couple kissed. A child, perched on the shoulders of his father, smiled at the sound of drum and guitar. A flier with a QR code taped to the wall read: “Make a donation to the Yolo Food Bank! Happy Punksgiving!”

Playing guitar and wearing all black with a red tie, Spencer Scruggs, the lead man of Playground Hooligans, had an aesthetic reminiscent of punk legend Billie Joe Armstrong.

Originally from Virginia, Scruggs’ connection with punk runs deep.

“I’m clearly influenced from Green Day, Blink-182, Third Eye

Blind, etc.,” Scruggs said. “I’m just happy to be up here with my buddies doing what I love, and that’s all that we really care about. It’s about the brotherhood.”

The band, which originated in Sacramento, also consisted of bassist Jonathan Williamson and drummer Roman Anderson. Their performances ranged from originals to covers of Green Day’s “Basket Case” and “Brain Stew.”

“There’s a really strong sense of community with art especially,” Anderson said. “Everyone here’s hungry to learn, very social, [and there’s] very nice people in Davis [...]

I’m very humbled that there was such a good turnout tonight. Hopefully we raised a bunch of money and feed all the people. And it’s really great ‘cause, especially around this time, you got to be thankful for everyone. Thank all your loved ones and spread it to the community — that’s why we’re all here.”

For punk band Bass Feens —- who performed their original songs such as “Norway” and “In the Air” — they are no stranger to the sense of togetherness that Punksgiving brings. Members Rex Laylo and Chris Fuss have now

People dance and enjoy the live music at Punksgiving, a benefit concert hosted by Sudwerk Brewing Co. (Jenna Lee /

third anniversary

Live music, mead and a wide selection of varietal honey to taste from made up this anniversary celebration emergency-efficient appliances/

BY MATTHEW MCELDOWNEY architectural design and solar heating. city@theaggie.org This commitment to sustainability was among the major factors in building The Hive from the ground up.

It is estimated that over one As experts in the honey industry, thousand people came out to celebrate their business has been consulted the anniversary and success of The by UC Davis in the founding of Hive, a tasting room, kitchen and its Honey Center with Joshua and honey production facility, on Nov. Shoshana’s mom, Amina Harris, as the 16. Z Speciality Food is a family-run founding director. This role is one that business that has since moved from Harris feels best aligned with her goals sharing a warehouse space with a and vision as an educator. wool factory into The Hive’s state-of“A big value is education,” the-art, zero-net-energy production Shoshana said. “When our parents facility and event space that has started the business, they were really 20,000 square feet. the first company at the time to be Programs at the anniversary talking about varietal honey. And so, celebration took families on tours educating people about what varietal through this garden and production honeys are, and honey in general, is facility to highlight their commitment really central to our identity.” to taking care of the climate and bees Joshua then emphasized the that in turn take care of them. importance of making their honey The families of Woodland were also education accessible to a wide range given the opportunity to participate of people. in a honey tasting, an interactive bee “We try to assume that each show and a spelling bee. These free person that walks through the door programs were complemented by the has never tried varietal honey or mead event’s farm-to-table menu and a wide before,” Joshua said. “So we have a lot selection of mead to purchase. of fun educating people.”

Shoshana Zeldner, the director For Ailee Mcleod, a third-year of brand strategy and marketing, and psychology major, this was her first her brother Joshua Zeldner, the nectar time tasting different varieties of director who is responsible for the honey side-by-side or trying mead at wholesale, food manufacturing and all. honey processing side of the business, “I didn’t know mead was a thing talked about their family business until I was brought into The Hive,” and the sheer amount of support they Mcleod said. received during this event.

The Hive was a welcoming place This was an unprecedented that allowed her to try a whole bunch amount of people we have had at of honey-based products such as The Hive in one day,” Shoshana said. honey cider, honey beer and a whole “Having more than one thousand bunch of pure honeys sourced from people was an achievement, and we Northern California, Florida and are glad things ran so smoothly with Hawaii, according to Mcleod. that many people.” “[My favorite part was] the honey Joshua added onto his sister’s tasting,” Mcleod said. “I didn’t know statement and explained what he loves there was a wide variety of honeys —most about the event. you’d be surprised —- there’s savory “It showcases how excited the honey!” community is that we’re here, and Each of the native flowers that the we hear it from people all the time honeybees would collect nectar from — especially from people living in would produce unique flavors unique Woodland — that they are just so to each variety. And as Mcleod tasted happy that we exist,” Joshua said.

The Hive’s wide selection of honeys, At the event, many people were she developed her own personal taste. there to participate in tasting each “My least favorite was the of the over 30 varieties of honey and Hawaiian Lehua —- there was no competed against one another in party in my mouth — the one that did the bee-themed spelling bee, even give a big party in my mouth was the coming to the event in bee-themed orange blossom and the sweet clover,” costumes. This year’s programs had Mcleod said. “I don’t know what was more participation than ever before as in that, but all I know is that it was families were clamoring to learn more really good.” about The Hive’s business at its heart, For this family business, Z according to the siblings.

Specialty Food, to allow so many “We showcase very pure products people to come back or be introduced from nature and so a strong connection to the delectable world of honey to the environment as well as pure, through this anniversary event is what simple and high-level ingredients is made it so meaningful. Overcoming really core to who we are,” Shoshana the challenges of both operating and said. expanding their small business to what Moreover, Shoshana and Joshua it is today was no small feat. However, emphasized that during the facility it is the many precious moments tour, this commitment to sustainability like Mcleod’s first honey tasting that is intrinsic to so many aspects of their remind them of how far their journey business and distribution model. has taken them, according to the “Josh has also done a lot of Zeldners. work on having our building, our “We’ve put in so much work packaging and our shipping to all over the years to get to where we are reflect [our values of ] environmental today, and it is really validating to sustainability,” Shoshana said. see this space being used to its fullest Their facility is fully electric, offset potential — to see the band going with solar panels and their business with the stage and the PA, the bee uses packing and shipping materials show, the facility tour, people tasting that are recyclable or recycled honey and drinking mead,” Joshua whenever possible. Furthermore, said. “All those things together is such the facility includes a garden that a beautiful picture that brings tears to uses drought-tolerant pollinator our eyes, [given that] we have worked plants, 100% organic landscaping, so hard to get here.”

The Gold Souls perform at the 45th anniversary of Z Specialty Food and the third year of The Hive. (Sacha Chickering / Aggie) played together at the show for three years in a row. Laylo, originally from Florida, started off making EDM and rap music before being introduced to the guitar which ultimately led him to punk. “[Chris] does Punksgiving every year, and I was like, ‘Hey, let me play,’” Laylo said. “And at that time, I didn’t even have a drummer, it was just me doing guitar. And [now] this is our third Punksgiving as a band, and it’s pretty good.”

As for Fuss, Bass Feen’s music represents punk at its finest.

“We’re kind of going against the culture of Davis,” Fuss said. “Kind of going against the grain. I feel like some people get attracted to that because it’s different from what they see every day.”

Yet with all of this festivity, Daly further explained how Punksgiving was only possible with the help of Sudwerk Brewing’s generosity.

“This town is starved for live music venues,” Daly stated. “The city government and the culture at large in Davis, from homeowners and the University, has largely been unsupportive of local live music and the idea and advent of having live music here in general. So Sudwerk is doing great work in supporting local live music and having a venue for us to play here in this town because it’s been lacking for a very long time.”

Punksgiving raised $780 for the Yolo Food Bank with special thanks to Sudwerk Brewing, Evan Daly and all of the performing bands and attendees. The benefit concert is held every November at Sudwerk Brewing Co. to raise money for local causes.

Donations to the Yolo Food Bank and more information on how to support them can be found on their website.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024 | 3

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

Senate hears ways to increase engagement at athletic events, quarterly reports at Nov. 21 meeting

Some $88,312 remains in Senate Reserves for future events and programs, according to Internal Affairs Commission Chair Amanda Clark

BY VINCE BASADA campus@theaggie.org ASUCD Internal Vice President Aaminah Mohammad called the Nov. 21 senate meeting to order at 6:18 p.m. before reading the UC Davis Land Acknowledgement.

The table first heard from the Innovation and Research Lab (IRL), ASUCD’s in-house software and research group, which has been looking at ways to increase campus and athletic engagement from students. The speakers list included IRL researchers Brady Horton, a fourth-year political science and statistics double major, Brendan Lin, a second-year economics and statistics double major, and Dyson Smith, a fourth-year statistics major.

Based on surveys and interviews from some 387 respondents, the IRL found that 60% of students rarely or never attend athletics games. To address this, the IRL recommended that the senate direct efforts toward creating community-oriented experiences (especially for transfer and first-generation students), form direct collaborations with registered

student organizations and downtown businesses and embrace and market unique aspects of UC Davis culture (such as biking and agriculture).

Smith elaborated on the reasoning behind the recommendations.

“UC Davis students traditionally find small-scale social solidarity,” Smith said. “They often find their highest sense of connectedness in their [registered student groups] and in their friend groups.”

After this, the senate unanimously confirmed Vanessa Sandoval, secondyear environmental science and management major, as vice-chair of the Planet Her Committee.

“There is an increasing importance [to] protect women’s rights and freedoms right now,” Sandoval said on her confirmation. “It is more important than ever right now for students to know that we will be working to create a space for women.”

A series of quarterly reports were heard throughout the night, beginning with the Judicial Council (JC). Deputy Justice Albena Goulisheva, a fourthyear political science major, presented in lieu of Head Justice Katrine Lee,

who was unavailable. Goulisheva was joined by several of the council’s other justices and reported that the JC had received no appeals from the fall 2024 ASUCD elections.

Unit Director Andie Tarabzooni, a third-year economics and communications double major, then reported for The Pantry. Tarabzooni reported that over the past quarter, the unit has experienced difficulties due to no longer having a career staff advisor. Despite this setback, Tarabzooni announced The Pantry’s plans to open a new mobile pantry location, prioritize sustainability, procure easily distributable cultural (kosher/halal) foods, open Costco and Sysco accounts and expand its menu and hours.

Tarabzooni also noted that there have been issues with keeping items stocked, exacerbated by The Pantry recently distancing itself from a food supplier. However, despite the supplier’s problems with delivered products, the on-campus food bank has served 9,350 individuals and distributed 7,430 pounds of food this fall.

ASUCD Information Technology’s Lead Programmer Marvin Lee, a fourth-year computer science major, presented next and noted that KDVS’ new website is scheduled to launch on Dec. 16.

This was followed by the Sexual Assault Awareness Advocacy Committee’s report from Chair Vrinda Vutukury, a fourth-year international relations and economics double major. She noted plans with risk management officers to make sure Greek life awareness work is not just “performative,” as well as plans for an upcoming martial arts selfdefense event. Vutukury also said that her strategy for her term is to focus on assault prevention efforts, such as improving campus lighting.

The senate also heard from Student Health and Wellness Unit Director Glenna Grant, a secondyear communications and psychology double major, who hopes to increase accessibility to safe-sex products throughout campus, before taking a short break.

After returning to the meeting, the table heard quarterly reports from two

senators. First, Gender and Sexuality Commission Chair Tristen Dillard highlighted the upcoming Gender Empowerment and Reproductive Freedom Movie Night on Dec. 3 and issues with onboarding staffers. Then, Internal Affairs Commission Chair Amanda Clark reported that only three senators’ offices had requested money since the start of the academic year.

“Many of you ran on great platforms,” Clark said from the report.

“You have [the] funds to help address the concerns in your platform. Please use them.”

Clark also reported that $88,312 remained in the Senate Reserves out of $100,000 and that all $25,000 of the Safety Initiative Fund remained untapped.

Afterward, the senate unanimously amended the 2024-25 budget to reallocate some $11,200 from the Job Creation Fund to the Inclusive Fellowship/ASUCD scholarships.

The senate passed the consent calendar and approved old meeting minutes before adjourning at 9:27 p.m.

What is the Pour ASUCD Coffee House introduces halal menu options, Out Pepsi project?

The project is a part of the increasing accessibility Environmental Policy and Planning

The CoHo now serves halal chicken and pepperoni in hopes of creating a more accessible menu

BY KHADEEJAH KHAN campus@theaggie.org This fall quarter, the ASUCD Executive Office announced that all chicken and pepperoni at Ciao’s Pizzeria served at the Memorial Union Coffee House (CoHo) is halal.

While the transition to halal meat initially began last year, the CoHo did not publicly announce the change until recently to guarantee a complete transition to halal meat. Now, with the official ASUCD announcement, the CoHo’s goal is to make food more accessible to students with different dietary needs.

“We didn’t want to announce it at the time, because there were a lot of bridges to gap,” Ryan DeGuzman, the executive chef of the CoHo, said.

“I wanted to make sure that if we were going to do halal that all our offerings would be able to be transitioned to halal.”

For DeGuzman, food symbolizes comfort. As executive chef, he aspires to bring the comfort of home-cooked meals to dining spots like the CoHo for all students.

“There’s a lot of kids who are so homesick here,” DeGuzman said.

“When you’re homesick, you want something that is from your own culture or quenches that thirst for being at home. Adding the halal offerings kind of helps bridge that.”

The response from the Davis

Muslim community has been overwhelmingly positive after the public announcement, according to DeGuzman, who also noted that the CoHo seems to now draw in larger crowds.

Nur Ambaw, a fourth-year political science major and president of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), expressed his appreciation for the switch.

“Islam is a way of life, along with being a religion, and so it boils down to what we eat in a day,” Ambaw said. “Having this option allows us to explore so many more cuisines that we might not have been able to, especially people’s favorite like pepperoni.”

For Sabahat Nabiha, a fourthyear public service major and external vice president of the MSA, the menu change is a major step toward inclusion and accessibility on campus.

“In high school, I didn’t really have that many halal options, so I never really felt seen or visible,” Nabiha said.

“I think that halal food does mean that the university is seeing us, that we’re being seen, that we matter and our religion and our beliefs are valued.”

The menu change has positively impacted Muslim students on campus, especially international students who come from countries where halal food is widely accessible, according to Nabiha.

“When you have students not only coming from different states [and] different backgrounds, but you’re also

having students that come from all over the world, and a lot of them are coming from Muslim countries where all they have around them is halal food, so they never have to question ‘is this thing halal?’” Nabiha said.

When it comes to expanding the CoHo’s menu, DeGuzman believes that this change is just the start. He calls for students and faculty to share recipes they want to see added to the menu.

“If one person likes a recipe, there’s definitely going to be a lot more people behind them in line,” DeGuzman said. “The future of the Coffee House really depends on the students.”

Ambaw is grateful for the increased halal offerings and is optimistic about what the future holds when it comes to accessibility and inclusion on campus.

As a former senator, Ambaw hopes that this change can lead to more decisions that impact student life.

“I hope this is just a start of the connection and the relationship between ASUCD and accommodating identity[-based] groups on campus, because it’s a direct impact,” Ambaw said. “When I was on the senate table last year, the biggest topic was, ‘How do we impact students?’ This is how we do it.”

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

Halal chicken bowl from The Chickpea in the MU food court. (Sacha Chickering / Aggie)

Commission, with the goal of ending UC Davis’ pouring rights contract with PepsiCo

BY JORDAN POLTORAK campus@theaggie.org

contract calls for 80% of PepsiCo products to be packaged in nonplastic containers, however, beverages such as Naked Juice, Muscle Milk, Gatorade and Pure Leaf Tea were given until 2030 to remove their plastic packaging, according to the EPPC’s website.

Mills spoke about the cost of buying Pepsi products for the university. “[PepsiCo] has explicitly told us they cannot meet these single-use plastic guidelines,” Mills said. “They also charge the university a higher cost than if we were to wholesale purchase things from Costco. So not only is it an unsustainable pouring rights contract, it’s also not in the university’s best interest.”

The Pour Out Pepsi movement is not unique to UC Davis’ campus.

UC Berkeley has a chapter with the same goal in mind, as their PepsiCo contract was renewed in September 2023.

Another one of the project’s goals for this school year is looking into the legality of t h e contract renewal.

Mills and Schlosser spoke

The Pour Out Pepsi project functions under ASUCD’s Environmental Policy and Planning Commission (EPPC). Their goal is to end UC Davis’ contract with PepsiCo due to a lack of sustainable and healthy options for students.

Many of the beverages sold on campus utilize single-use plastics, which raises questions for the university’s plan of phasing out unsustainable containers.

The 10-year contract with PepsiCo was set to expire in September 2024, but the university renewed the contract in July 2024. The contract reportedly provides $10 million to the university over the span of 10 years.

Ivy Schlosser, a fourth-year political science major and the EPPC commissioner and co-lead of the Pouring Rights Contract Project, spoke on the contract’s renewal.

“We explicitly asked them to not make a decision until school resumed in the fall, because we knew that they would [renew the contract and] there wouldn’t be students present to make a complaint against it,” Schlosser said.

Due to the renewal, the Pour Out Pepsi project is taking a different approach to their goals this school year.

Piper Mills, a fourthyear environmental policy about how analysis and planning major requests for and EPPC commissioner proposals can be and the project’s written to make it so contract lead, expanded only one company is on their next steps. able to bid on the contract.

“We are now However, they had wanted working less in to give more vendors, preferably conjunction with sustainable vendors, the ability to administration bid on the contract as well. to try to Currently the project is negotiate promoting a boycott of all Pepsi with them products on campus, with the and talk exception of the Coffee House a b o u t (CoHo), which is the only alternatives,” location not included in the Mills said. “It pouring rights contract. is now more Schlosser said that the of a student pouring rights contract goes outreach against what the university stands project.

We for. are trying to “A monopoly with the secondamplify voices largest plastic polluter in the world that are in doesn’t fit the university’s values,” opposition to Schlosser said. that renewal.”

This new EMILY TRAN / AGGIE

Davis City Council swears in new chief of police Todd Henry replaces Darren Pytel for the Davis Police Department

BY PIPER AWEEKA city@theaggie.org On Nov. 19, the Davis City Council shared a heartfelt goodbye to former Police Chief Darren Pytel and welcomed new Chief of Police Todd Henry. After 41 years of service to the Davis Police Department, Pytel was recognized for his outstanding leadership and compassionate approach to the job.

Davis Mayor Josh Chapman began the meeting by sharing the city proclamation for the former police chief. In his speech, Chapman

highlighted Pytel’s employment in the Davis Police Department starting at age 14. Pytel followed Chapman’s speech by sharing his own reflections on a long, successful career and his appreciation for the Davis Police Department.

“I’ve truly, truly enjoyed working with the members of the police department,” Pytel said. “It’s been a pleasure. A true pleasure.”

Chapman then called upon fellow council members to share their farewells. City Councilwoman Donna Neville contributed her sentiment for Pytel’s years of service to the city of

Davis.

“I am just deeply indebted to where you have run your department, to the compassionate way that you engage in policing,” Neville said. “It’s a model for how policing should be done, and I’m deeply grateful for that.”

Following farewells from the council members, Jean Lyon, the deputy director of police services for the city of Davis, shared a word of her own.

“When I think of the work that you’ve put in over the years, there’s two words that come to mind, and the first one is leadership [...] I learned to

The Davis City Council honors Police Chief Darren Pytel.

(Christian Cendejas / Aggie) listen and allow people to be heard,” Lyon said. “The second word is legacy [...] I’m truly grateful you left the department better off than when you found it.”

After a hug between Pytel and City Manager Mike Webb, the swearing-in ceremony for Todd Henry commenced.

CITYCOUNCIL on 11

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

4 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

The true meaning of Thanksgiving Gratefulness in a world of unhappiness

BY NEVAEH KARRAKER nakarraker@ucdavis.edu For many this fall season, the reelection of Donald Trump for a second term does not evoke any cheerful sentiment. Social media has been flooded with posts conveying a sense of concern, rage and deep sadness from women, immigrants and others affected by the election results. The future is unknown.

On top of that, finals are fast approaching. Not only do college students have to worry about changes to their government, economy and policies, but there are also critical exams that can influence winter registration.

Even beyond studies and politics, seasonal depression lurks within the colder weather, continuously creeping up on students as they lose motivation to attend classes.

Given all of this unhappiness, it can seem pointless to celebrate any upcoming holidays — obviously, there are larger concerns at hand. However, if that’s the present mindset, we miss the whole point of Thanksgiving.

Celebrating it in no way disregards reality; Rather, it’s a chance to be grateful despite reality.

That’s one reason why Thanksgiving is so important. We have to be grateful for what we do have in lieu of being consumed by what we lack. The world is chaotic, especially now, but it is not shameful to have the capacity to enjoy a dinner with loved ones. In fact, it’s more crucial than ever.

Since the exposure of the more-than-gruesome backstory of Thanksgiving — with the influence of disease and violence against the

can appreciate what the contemporary holiday stands for; The past is not defining, but rather liberating.

Following the Civil War, tensions remained extremely high as abolition movements experienced retaliation during the Reconstruction Era. American writer and activist Sara Hale campaigned for the national holiday as a “joyful tribute” for blessings, and Republican president Abraham Lincoln was fond of it. He established Thanksgiving as a national holiday to diffuse conflict, unite an antagonistic America and promote democracy.

And, of course, we all know turkeys are the centerpiece of this festive feast.

This poultry was indigenous to New England and therefore exceedingly cheap during the war, becoming a staple for soldiers. Thus, turkeys turned into a symbol which represented this newfound harmony.

As America confronts unresolved vexation about what the future will entail, tradition remains constant.

The corny (no pun intended) autumn leaves, pumpkins, turkey and gravy may seem obnoxious and redundant, yet it is something we can rely on. In times of uncertainty, it is of the essence that we focus on what we can control rather than on what we can’t. Whether we adopt pessimism or optimism, we must critically consider if and how we extend our emotions onto others.

In the end, the constitution is still intact, and we are not under authoritarian or communist rule. We still have the freedom to choose to celebrate (or not celebrate) holidays.

While acknowledging the

Wampanoag tribe — the holiday has been viewed by many as a propaganda technique. However, as long as we address this history, we

implications of others’ decisions is necessary, we cannot become too fixated on them. Gratefulness is not ignorance, it’s awareness.

The younger generations have been persistently told that they are the future by older generations — no wonder the student body is so disturbed. How can they be a part of the future if they have to fix the fragmented system of the people who thrust that future upon them? It appears like there is barely a future to anticipate.

Even so, I believe that the youth are the change. If one complains there’s not enough art in the world, become an artist. If one complains medicine is inadequate, become a doctor. If one complains the government is corrupted, become a keeper of objective truth as a journalist. This doesn’t mean that every person who feels conflicted during these times has to take upon the most laborious, complicated task. It’s simply this — if one wants change, they have to be the change.

With all of this said, mindset is an incredibly powerful tool. As people communicate to one another their beliefs and thus their disposition, the youth can serve as a catalyst to redirect the nation’s attention to what really matters: being optimistic as we concentrate on the people, memories and traditions we love.

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.

STEPHANIE CHAN / AGGIE

Why I love the musical ‘Hadestown’

The beautiful meaning behind this musical’s interpretation of a beloved Greek myth NOVA MAI / AGGIE

BY SABRINA FIGUEROA sfigueroaavila@ucdavis.edu The ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is a popular tale in Greek mythology. It is also, perhaps, one of the most tragic and poignant; so much so that it gives Shakespeare a run for his money.

Every retelling of the myth has the same basic storyline: Eurydice dies and goes to the underworld, and Orpheus, her lover, travels there to bring her back.

Hades, the king of the dead and god of the underworld, grants Orpheus the permission to return his love to Earth, as long as he doesn’t look back at her along the way. In spite of the rules (and in the name of his love for her), Orpheus looks back to make sure she’s still behind him, sending Eurydice to the underworld forever.

Although there are multiple interpretations of the myth, one of my favorites by far comes from the Broadway musical “Hadestown” created

by Anaïs Mitchell.

Much like other interpretations, “Hadestown” is able to underscore dimensions of the human condition in terms of survival, sacrifice, doubt and love. In this adaptation, Earth and its seasons are plagued by the dying connection between Persephone and

Hades. Fall and spring disappear, and winter becomes a deadly force with storms and scarce amounts of food. Ultimately, this is what leads to Eurydice’s decision to go to the underworld. As much as she loves Orpehus, what good is any of it if she’s constantly at war with hunger? What good does love and life serve you if you’re in pain?

The decision to sacrifice her love for the deception of a “great life” in the underworld is commented on by the Fates in the emotional song “Gone, I’m Gone.” They ask the audience the probing question: “Wouldn’t you have done the same?” The song highlights how, although humans may have morals and principles, we don’t always follow them when it comes to ensuring our chance at a better life. In fact, we don’t actually know what we would do in a situation until we are thrown into it.

So, who are we to judge Eurydice for her choice?

Perhaps one of my favorite things about this adaptation of the ancient myth is that it brings on a completely new dimension to the basic storyline.

That is, it has a relevant political undertone to it that has been shaped by time.

HADESTOWN on 11

UC Davis students take the stage this holiday season Navigating queer identity when going home for the holidays

BY TARA ROMERO tcrome@ucdavis.edu As we enter the American holiday season, many students are going back home to spend time with family. The holidays are a time for family and cultural traditions to be shared — a time for genuine connection with the people we grew up with.

As college students, many of us live away from home. The holidays give us a break from the never-ending current of midterms and paper deadlines, and we can return home to reconnect with our roots. However, for many queer students, the holiday season can feel much less genuine and much more like a performance.

When away from home, queer students may feel more comfortable exploring their identities. This is because we meet people with identities like our own, and we make meaningful connections outside of the world we used to know. We can explore ways to express gender and our queer identities far away from the fear of our family’s judgment. UC Davis excels in this particular area, offering a variety of intersectionality-centered studentled clubs, as well as the LGBTQIA

Resource Center led by staff who are dedicated to providing support for students on campus.

For many queer students, returning home from college means leaving behind a part of ourselves.

When I sit at the family dinner table on Thanksgiving, I do not feel like myself. I leave behind my non-binary lesbian identity and enter my critically acclaimed role as the “average straight girl.”

Although I am out to my very accepting immediate family and a fairly large percentage of my extended family, I still put on this role every year for the members I am not out to and for the ones who know but clearly wish they didn’t.

I trade in my binder for a pushup bra. I put on my mask of lipstick and eyeshadow. I pull out my most feminine dress sitting at the bottom of my closet. I put on this costume, and I get ready for the performance of a lifetime.

My costume gets critical praise from the audience. I carefully read my script, knowing that one wrong move means receiving tossed tomatoes instead of flowers. I face the dreaded question: “Do you have a boyfriend yet?” to which I read off my script,

“Not yet! I’m just focusing on school” — an instant crowd-pleaser. Exhausted by the end of my performance, I give my final bow with a “See you next year!”

Even though the holidays are supposed to be about connecting with family, the “connections” I share with my extended family do not feel genuine. This performance only results in more feelings of isolation.

To stop performing is a risky decision with family ties on the line.

Many queer students do not have the option of attending the holidays with their families because of it.

Therefore, plenty of queer students will continue to perform at their family dinners this year. In American queer culture, there is always a pressure to come out, live authentically and abandon everything else in our lives.

For some people, that is their lived truth. But this is not the truth for everyone. For many queer students, performing around family allows them to connect with other essential parts of their identity.

The reality is that the holidays are a complicated time for queer students — no matter if they are on or off the stage this year.

CRYSTAL CHEN / AGGIE

TGPERFORMANCE on 9

HUMOR

Petition to remove turkey from the Thanksgiving

Why would you want to eat something so sexy?

BY ALLISON KELEHER adkeleher@ucdavis.edu To whom it may concern: I don’t know about you, but I am tired of eating turkey every year at Thanksgiving. Frankly, it’s unoriginal and boring. Why not spice things up with a nice smoked trout?

Ugh, I’m sorry — I can’t keep pretending. I started this article with the hopes of convincing you using persuasion, but that smoked trout thing slipped out, and I feel like I’m living a lie. Let’s start over. Hey. The name’s Ted. Ted the Turkey.

I’ve lived in Davis for my whole life and every year since my childhood, I see my fellow turkeys experience the most anxiety this time of year. It’s sad. Most of the year, we are content and free to frolic around the UC Davis campus without a care in the world. One time, I chased after someone on a bike to feel something. But once it hits November, we live in fear. I like

to call it “Nervous November.”

Every year, when November comes around, I try to keep to myself and harass fewer students so that no one gets any bright ideas. This has worked so far, since I am a middleaged turkey. However, I need to break my silence on this topic because I met someone. Her name is Tina.

Tina the Turkey. She’s the most remarkable turkey I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Her feathers are so beautiful — specifically the tail feathers (if you know what I mean).

Tina is fearless. She chases after UC Davis students on the daily and I gobble it up every time. However, in November it’s a different story.

She is overcome with fear and anxiety of being taken and put on your dinner table. This is because when she was young, one of her family members got taken away

SAVANNAH BURGER / AGGIE

around this time of year. It was a slightly strange local who felt like they needed something fresh for their Thanksgiving. Now, Tina can’t rest during November.

As her boyfriend, I won’t stand for this.

The other night, I caught her in the middle of the night scrolling on Reddit, reading turkey abduction horror stories, and I had to stop her from driving herself crazy. Once she went to bed, she was talking in her sleep about being chosen for the infamous presidential turkey pardon. This is getting to be too much, so I decided to take to The California Aggie and enact change in Thanksgiving culture.

Honestly, you could use some change, because why is it normal to stuff our insides with soggy bread and eat it? Your so-called “Pilgrims” were weird. I know this because I’m actually a descendant of the very

first turkeys that were eaten at that Thanksgiving. It’s not something that my family likes to talk about.

Once a turkey finds out that I’m turkey royalty, they always treat me differently — I just want to be like everyone else.

In conclusion, we should diversify our palettes at Thanksgiving, because it would really help me out. Thanks.

Best Regards, Ted (the Turkey).

Disclaimer: (This article is humor and/or satire, and its content is purely fictional. The story and the names of “sources” are fictionalized.)

LANHUI ZHEN/ AGGIE

5 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

OPINION EDITORIAL

The Editorial Board’s guide to celebrating the holidays on a budget The Editorial Board encourages mindful spending, sustainability and reconnection with loved ones this winter

WRITTEN BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD

As two of the worst weeks of the year commence, the holidays are finally around the corner. For many UC Davis students, the upcoming winter break is currently serving as one of the only hopeful things in a sea of final exams, papers and projects. As important as it is for you to lock in and study during these two weeks, the Editorial Board is here to offer some holiday advice — whether you’re going home to be with family, struggling to figure out what to buy your parents or just trying to conduct your holiday season on a budget.

Regardless of how or why you are celebrating, the holidays are our annual opportunity to spend time with our loved ones and celebrate the important things in life. This holiday season, remember to cherish the time you spend and the traditions you practice with your friends and family.

As college students, there are constantly things we need that we forget to buy for ourselves. With our minds largely filled with formulas and research topics during finals season, it can be difficult to come up with a list of wants to provide your family and friends with. Therefore, when in doubt, consider asking for some practical items for the holidays this year.

SEE ONLINE Read our editorial with Chancellor May and the administration

For students at Davis, this might mean bike-related items like a fender or bike lights. It could also mean asking for smaller appliances for your dorm or apartment — perhaps a blender, toaster, kettle or even a Nespresso machine. Holiday gift ideas don’t have to be overly creative; consider saving some money that you would have spent on practical items for yourself and ask for them as gifts instead.

Other ideas on this wavelength might include school supplies, stationery or even home decor.

In terms of figuring out what gifts to get for your own friends and family, we recommend taking some time to personalize your gifts this year. Gifts can have a personal touch and reflect someone’s hobbies or interests without breaking the bank. Homemade gifts like charm bracelets, knitted winter attire or personalized playlists can be creative and rewarding gifts for loved ones. Additionally, acts of service like cleaning up around the house, making homemade desserts or annotating someone’s favorite book are gifts that are both thoughtful and cost-effective.

Try to incorporate sustainability into your gift-giving process this year, too; Use old copies of the Aggie or any newspaper to wrap your gifts, make your holiday decorations at home or even source the ingredients for your family dinner locally.

As we approach the new year, remember to strengthen your ties with your communities and remind the people in your life that you’re grateful for them. In the wake of a thoroughly divisive year, allow the holiday season to serve as a time of reflection and healing to revitalize you before you head into winter quarter.

Winter quarter at UC Davis is infamous for its depressing weather and comparable lack of social events, so be sure to set yourself up for success with a refreshed mindset and established goals. Whether or not you buy into creating New Year’s resolutions, consider setting some goals for yourself for the coming year regardless. They don’t need to be grandiose; Try not to put too much pressure on yourself by setting unrealistic goals, and instead consider setting month-to-month goals to make them more attainable.

During winter break, it is also important to be mindful of how and

where you vacation. While many go home to see family during the holidays, some choose to take trips and celebrate in other states or abroad.

Be mindful that you’re not going to places that are overloaded with tourists during the holidays, particularly places that are already facing contemporary issues — Hawaii and Florida being two popular examples.

If you’re going to be home for break and aren’t vacationing anywhere, try your best to reconnect with people in your life and take some space from technology. Consider tapping back into old hobbies, doing some holiday-related arts and crafts or, if you’re feeling productive, taking some time to update your resume, LinkedIn profile or looking into job or internship opportunities for the upcoming year.

If you’re looking for more to do, consider taking time to read, listen to audiobooks or even podcasts to pass the time during vacation. Because many students don’t make time to read for fun during the quarter (especially close to finals), try to set some time aside to get back into reading. Podcasts are another way to educate yourself or take a deep dive into topics you find interesting. If you can’t think of a podcast to listen to, consider listening to The California Aggie’s new podcast — The Aggie Angle — to get your fix of Davis news, get local updates and support college journalism!

There is a lot you can do at home to avoid getting stuck on your phone for hours a day — and the Editorial Board cannot recommend taking a technology break enough. Especially after a packed finals season, taking time away from your laptop and phone screens can do wonders for your mental health and relationships with others.

No matter how you’re celebrating the holidays, power through finals season and utilize winter break as a time to rest and recharge. Be sure to enjoy the holidays; Get the rest that you deserve and take some time to reflect on the school year so far. It’s been a challenging quarter, but bask in your time off and prepare yourself to take on the new year with a fresh mindset and a clean slate. You’ve got this, Aggies!

Editorial Board CHRIS PONCE Editor-in-Chief ALYSSA CREVOISERAT Managing Editor MADISON PETERS Campus News Editor HANNAH SCHRADER City News Editor MAYA KORNYEYEVA Opinion Editor ZOEY MORTAZAVI Features Editor ANA BACH Arts & Culture Editor MEGAN JOSEPH Sports Editor KATIE HELLMAN Science Editor 0DQDJLQJ 6WD̆ JENNA LEE Photo Director ARIANA NOBLE Layout Director LANHUI ZHEN Design Director JOANNE SUN Social Media Manager AARON POTTER Website Manager CASSIDY GILLIS Distribution & Outreach Director TIFFANY HE Copy Chief JENNY DYE Copy Chief SAMUEL RUIZ Translation Director ILEANA MERAZ Translation Director LAURIE PEDERSON Business Development Manager

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

Sugar, spice and holiday spirit

A gourmet gift guide

BY MOLLY THOMPSON mmtthompson@ucdavis.edu The hardest people to shop for are always family members. Especially the ones that are just far enough removed that you don’t really know their lifestyles, but close enough that you’re still obligated to get them a Christmas present. Like, what am I supposed to get for my great uncle? I haven’t seen him in years and he lives in Maryland — I have no idea what he wants.

All in search of holiday gifts, look no further, for I have the perfect solution to all of your holiday giftgiving woes: Christmas cookies.

Okay, I know I’m not reinventing the wheel here, but hear me out. I’m not talking about whipping up a batch of Toll House chocolate chip cookies and calling it a day, that’s not going to impress anyone. I’m talking about an all-out, handmade gourmet curation of love and cinnamon and pure Christmas spirit. Ladies and gentlemen, hold on to your Santa hats — allow me to introduce you to my annual Christmas Cookie Extravaganza.

For the past three years, I’ve spent my December crafting a flight of eight unique cookies that I give to my extended family members for Christmas. Every year I come up with new recipes, so it continues to be something they look forward to. There are never-ending possibilities here, so it can always be novel.

To really make it a good gift though, it has to be more than just a casual cookie — it has to be a whole experience. I love finding recipes that intrigue me and altering them to herald festive flavors or figuring out how I can put my own spin on something that’s been done before.

You can easily get your gingersnap cookie fix at Trader Joe’s, but chewy ginger cookies with dried apricot and crystalized ginger are best enjoyed from scratch. The plain biscotti in the jar at the coffee shop might as well

be purely for decoration, but cherry almond biscotti half-dipped in dark chocolate, when tied with a shiny ribbon, is a delicacy.

The effort you put into it is what gives it value, as much as the product itself. This isn’t an easy gift; It takes hours of time and a lot of ingredients.

But the love and dedication that goes into it makes it invaluable. When the cranberry-orange jam that fills the gingerbread thumbprint cookies is made from scratch, it becomes a vessel of thought and care. When you go out of your way to make toffee from brown sugar and butter instead of buying it at the store to mix into sugar cookies with butter pecans, you aren’t just baking — you’re communicating your affection.

Food as a medium can be really effective. It’s often communitycentered, and it can evoke poignant sense-memories. We associate certain flavor palates with events, points in time or feelings, so in giving confections as a gift, you’re also giving a deeper experience. You said these were brown butter and persimmon sugar cookies? That’s weird, because to me it tastes like sitting in a pile of torn-up wrapping paper on Christmas morning while my family admires their presents. This one is cranberry and maple? All I taste is Taylor Swift singing about “sweet dreams of holly and ribbon.” It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Beyond the cookies themselves, the Christmas Cookie Extravaganza is about the whole package. Cookies are great for the holidays because they’re easy to pack and ship, which is how I distribute most of mine. I stack them in dollar-store tins adorned with cute, festive patterns, fill in the extra space with tissue paper, put the tins in flatrate USPS boxes and stuff every spare crevice of the boxes with packing paper so nothing gets rattled around during transit.

To make it feel more polished and cohesive, I also make a bright, fun menu to tie a proverbial bow on the

CRYSTAL CHEN / AGGIE whole shebang. Canva (my beloved) has endless holiday templates, and I always get compliments on how professional the menus look. I take photos of the cookies and erase the background before I put them on the menu, which I think really impresses my grandparents. Seriously, I get more praise on the menus than on the cookies.

In aggregate, the Christmas Cookie Extravaganza all comes together to make the perfect gift (in my humble opinion). It’s clearly curated with care, it’s wholesome and

enjoyable, it facilitates sharing and familial bonding, it’s memorable and it allows you to show off your skills.

Even if your aunt doesn’t think your dulce de leche gingerbread linzer cookies are anything to write home about, she’ll probably at least think you have a future in graphic design.

Selfishly, I love it because it lets me flex my best creative muscle.

Cookies are so versatile; The sky’s the limit when it comes to what you put on your menu. I have so much fun coming up with flavor profiles and the best forms to showcase them, and

I enjoy the actual baking process even more. Gift giving is my love language, and this is my favorite way to express it. Yes, it takes a lot of work and energy and time, but more than that — a whole lot of love goes into it. Putting in that effort and creativity is an act of love, and that’s what makes any gift worthwhile.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

ONLINE PAGES Over 400 days of conflict: reflecting on the last year in Palestine

Students and community members think back on the UC Davis encampment, discuss ongoing efforts for Palestinian activism

BY EVELYN SANCHEZ features@theaggie.org An entire 418 days and counting have passed since Israel’s siege on the Gaza Strip. After a year of Gazans being slowly depleted of necessities, Israel has extended their invasion onto the West Bank and Lebanon.

Around 1.9 million people, or 90% of the population on the Strip, have been displaced from their homes.

Millions must face harsh conditions with inadequate clothes, food and water, and a lack of sanitation has increased the number of diseases spreading throughout cramped conditions. The destruction of public infrastructure and facilities has even led to cases of polio being reported.

Northern Gaza has been under a tight siege since Oct. 6, 2024, where no aid or humanitarian trucks have been allowed in. Israel has consistently violated ceasefire orders in Gaza, having recently broken the Lebanon ceasefire as of Nov. 28, 2024 by shelling two cities in Southern Lebanon. This attack was in response to a recent response by Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia Islamist political party, during which they sent a “defensive and warning response,” sending two mortars into the disputed Shebaa Farms territory in Lebanon.

“Humanitarian workers are being killed at an unprecedented rate, their courage and humanity being met with bullets and bombs,” Tom Fletcher, the new United Nations under-secretarygeneral for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said.

More journalists have been killed during Israel’s siege on Gaza compared to the entirety of the Vietnam War and World War II journalist casualties combined. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 333 aid workers and 137 journalists and media workers since Oct. 7, 2023. Israel has targeted these groups, who are protected by international law, in addition to war crimes the state has committed on its own population.

With the UC Davis Popular University for the Liberation of Palestine’s (PULP) encampment demands not being met — including complete university divestment from businesses and investments in Israel — some members of the Davis community believe that the university remains complicit in Israel’s crimes.

“I saw the encampment as a way to voice our concerns that we didn’t want our money being sent over to Israel,” Manuel Maravilla, a fourth-year cinema and digital media major, said. “We

didn’t want our tuition dollars going to the murder of children.”

Maravilla continued by sharing how her experience with the Davis encampment had a positive impact on her life.

“I do think the encampment was a necessary thing, and a beautiful one,” Maravilla said. “I built a lot of friendships and community by being in the encampment.”

Raeda Zarzour, a community member that has lived in the greater Sacramento area their entire life, emphasized the importance of using protesting as a tool for change.

“Protesting is one of our best and largest weapon[s] to get movement and our strongest tool to get things achieved in this country,” Zarzour said.

Zarzour was actively involved in the California State University, Sacramento and UC Davis encampments, with the former school reaching a divestment compromise within a week.

“We helped [students] think out their demands and helped in wording [them] properly,” Zarzour said.

Zarzour, also a participant, commented on the encampment’s ability to connect students, staff and graduate students.

“Students who didn’t feel comfortable using their voices found a community where they had emotional support from older students, grad students, faculty and community members willing to help them use their voice,” Zarzour said.

A third-year student, who asked to remain anonymous, also spoke on her experiences as a Palestinian student and member of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at UC Davis.

The student discussed the passing of Senate Bill #52 in accordance with the Boycotting, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS) in February 2024, a non-violent global campaign promoting boycotts against Israel and organizations that they have deemed complicit in Israel’s actions.

“When we passed BDS in February, that was a huge deal,” the student said.

“The $20 million divestment was a big win, and we were the first in the country to do that.”

The encampment not only represented the student and community body dissatisfied with the university, but it also proved to be a great place to facilitate discussion on Palestine and other related issues.

Although many people found support, Zarzour explained the harmful responses from other members of the community. Despite May’s stance on protecting the protestors’ First

OPINION

Amendment rights, Zarzour believes that the consistent police presence should have been used to protect the students and community members.

Instead, they felt that the encampment was unfairly allowed to be harassed and recorded. “[The encampment] drew people from within the city, not affiliated with campus or students, for the purpose of disrupting and harassing sometimes minor students,” Zarzour said. “UC Davis is letting full-blown adults in their 60s post photos of minor student faces and tagging the school and [the] school has done nothing.”

After the weather began nearing triple digits and student presence diminished due to the beginning of summer, the encampment had no choice but to pack up despite PULP not reaching formal negotiations with the UC Davis administration.

The anonymous student said that many compromises were promised, but the UC Regents failed to deliver anything on paper, and a struggle of SJP persists as they maintain contact with the necessary boards to make sure they deliver on their promises. “ We got in a couple negotiation sessions to talk about it, and at the end of the day they didn’t wanna put anything on paper,” the anonymous student said. “Most of the struggle has been to hold them to their word.”

SJP continues to advocate for their demands, staying committed to both pro-Palestinian and pro-divestment causes at Davis and beyond.

Any excess food and tents from the encampment were donated to the unhoused community surrounding Davis and Sacramento.

“People are failing to realize it’s not something that happens overnight or a year,” the anonymous student said. “[Divestment] takes a while to accomplish. If we can get the ball rolling for future students to take on the projects, then that’s what we’re gonna do.”

SJP organizations from other universities have been actively collaborating and circulating information with each other, according to the anonymous student.

“One thing I always tell people is just talk to Palestinians,” the student said. “I know that sounds so obvious, but a lot of people are starting to disregard and ignore Palestinians in their community.”

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LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

Hear me out — they’re not that attractive; it’s just their aura

What makes someone truly attractive?

BY JHANA RHODES jsrho@ucdavis.edu In 2016, Disney released “Zootopia,” a thrilling adventure following the life of two mammals: a rabbit and a fox.

While the studio likely intended for the audience to enjoy the film for its plot and characters, they didn’t anticipate the overwhelming amount of adult individuals that thirsted over Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps: an animated rabbit and fox.

That’s right — the two animals now have an influx of fan edits, fan fiction and fan art permanently embedded in a digital footprint. If you’re not a part of the Nick Wilde or Judy Hopps fandom, the appeal to fictional characters may be enigmatic. So, what’s the deal? Do people actually like these characters? Or is it something else? As the “hear me out” cake trend on TikTok has shown, looks aren’t everything.

For those of you who don’t have TikTok or are just on a completely different side of the internet, the whirlwind trend showcases users decorating a cake with pictures of (but not limited to) fictional characters and celebrities as they explain their unique opinions on who, or what, they believe is attractive. Bill Nye (the Science Guy), Optimus Prime, Elastigirl, a fork and the number eight are some subjects currently under stringent debate.

Though we all have our individual preferences on what we consider to be attractive, hopefully we can agree that “aura” is what draws us in. In other

words, we tend to be attracted to someone’s unique impression, shaped by their demeanor, tone of voice or the little things they do that captivate us. Think about it like this: you show your friends a picture of your crush.

Your friends don’t find them attractive, but you do. You keep showing them different photos, saying, “It’s just a bad angle; they look better in person.”

But no matter how many pictures you send in the group chat, your friends still disagree. In your defense, if only your friends could see how your crush parallel parks — then maybe they’d agree with you.

While physical appearance is undoubtedly a large part of initial attraction, there is so much more to individuals than what’s on the surface.

A confident demeanor, kindness, intelligence, optimism, authenticity, loyalty and empathy are on the list.

Romantically or not, we are drawn to people’s energy. We, as humans, seek admirable qualities in others, whether we possess those qualities or not.

However, I am certain that the most beautiful people, inside and out, are the ones with a heart of gold. Physical appearances can wither, yet genuine kindness and compassion will flourish.

Though this explanation of aura may not sway you into believing an animated fox is attractive, it hopefully helps you understand why others might be. Some may find Nick Wilde funny and therefore alluring. Others may think it’s his confident and sly demeanor. I say that Jason Bateman (Nick Wilde’s voice

CRYSTAL CHEN / AGGIE

actor) has a nice voice. But hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder — we all have unique preferences that make us stand out from one another.

So, next time you witness someone obsessing over fan edits of a fictional character, instead of judging out loud — judge them silently. Then, think to yourself: What is your favorite “hear me out” take?

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.

Construction continues on the UC Davis Arboretum

A look into the people and experiences that shape one of campus’ most beautiful spots

DARIXA VARELA MEDRANO / AGGIE

BY NOAH HARRIS features@theaggie.org With vast amounts of green and blue colors, the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s array of wildlife and plants have turned it into one of Davis’ most popular places to visit.

Traditionally green with a river flowing through its center, the Arboretum has looked a bit different during the last few months. Running along the southern end of the UC Davis campus, the Arboretum is in a state of change that is set to conclude soon — as those involved have shared, the finished product will be much different than before.

The Arboretum is a 100-acre public garden that hosts thousands of species of plants, trees and shrubs. They have at least 31 species of mammals, 45 species of butterflies and 135 species of birds have been found partaking in what the Arboretum has to offer, according to their website.

On March 25 of this year, a press release was put out to announce that the Waterway Enhancement Project had officially launched its second stage.

Its first stage took place from 2016 to 2018, having focused on increasing water flow and native vegetation.

The Enhancement Project was given a $5.4 million grant from the state and received $2.5 million from UC Davis, making it the largest grant that the UC Davis Arboretum has been given to date.

So far, construction has focused primarily on removing concrete banks and sediment buildup, giving the river a more natural look. Underground piping work for the river supply is also finished, which helps the river run more smoothly, even during dry years. Over the last few months, there have also been fences and orange safety barriers put into place around the Arboretum.

Emily Evans, a fourth-year environmental science management major, said that animals will also be given their own slice of luxury on the western part of the Arboretum.

“Islands have been created at the west end, which will be planted with marsh plants to mimic a natural wetland habitat,” Evans said.

Evans further explained the details of and her excitement for the island feature.

“The construction crew essentially created islands from scratch, and now, seeing the water slowly fill back in, it’s nothing short of inspiring,” Evans said.

“I can’t wait to continue transforming the space and watch it come back to life with new plantings along the banks.”

Katie Hetrick, the assistant director of communications in Finance, Operations and Administration (FOA), shared that the project has been designed to last a long time.

“The enhancements are designed to be resilient for decades, with regular maintenance and adaptive management ensuring the waterway remains functional and healthy,” Hetrick said.

Evans also emphasized that the Arboretum renovations are an ongoing project.

“Personally, I prefer to think that the enhancement of the waterway is an ongoing effort that will never truly end as we continue to make improvements to the system,” Evans said.

If this seems fast for such a massive effort, it is — at least, according to their

expectations going into the project.

“The construction phase of the project is expected to be completed in early 2025 when the recirculating pump installation will be complete,” Hetrick said. “Final touches, including planting and habitat establishment, will extend into 2025 and potentially longer.”

Their time frame is progressing far, around one year ahead of schedule.

Susan Collopy, the project manager for UC Davis Design and Construction Management, explained why the project was so quick compared to their initial thoughts.

“The project timeline included the potential for delays as the result of a variety of environmental impacts that we did not experience,” Collopy said.

“In addition, the contractor identified an alternate method to install the recirculating pipe that saved a lot of time.”

Andrew Fulks, the assistant director of the Arboretum, shared that the turnaround time was one of the most unique parts of the undertaking.

“I have been involved in a number of campus construction projects,” Fulks said. “The most interesting thing about this one was how uneventful it was.

Everything went smoothly and nothing out of the ordinary occurred.”

Tabitha Mitchell, a fourth-year animal science major, shared her thoughts on the Arboretum. She is one of many students who utilizes the space to her advantage throughout the school year at Davis.

“It’s a really tranquil, serene space,” Mitchell said. “I love to exercise there, and it’s a really nice place to just connect with nature and have some high-quality alone time. Right now, I enjoy it less because there’s a lot of construction and not as much wildlife. So it seems more like a project rather than a place for us to enjoy ourselves.”

Evans shared her thoughts on the Arboretum during construction, stating that she has loved the entire experience and the opportunity that the project presented her with.

“The most fascinating part of the enhancement process has been witnessing the waterway at various stages of construction,” Evans said.

“It’s rare to have the opportunity to directly contribute to something that benefits both the environment and the community in such a tangible way.”

During this time, many people have and continue to contribute to the project.

“An average day for workers might include tasks like grading soil, installing erosion-control measures, planting native vegetation or adjusting the waterway to improve flow,” Hetrick said. “Workers also monitor sediment levels, remove invasive species and maintain pathways or structures.”

Mitchell, who revealed she would love to see a butterfly sanctuary in the Arboretum, expressed gratitude for the time she has spent in the space.

“I’m happy that that’s happening because it’s going to make it look better in the long run, and I’ve already spent quality time at the Arboretum,” Mitchell said. “I just really hope that they get it looking the way they want it to within the next three or four years, because I want the freshmen to get a chance to experience it with a thriving ecosystem.”

The hope for Evans, Hetrick and Mitchell is that the Arboretum will be back to its normal thriving self soon — though with some noticeable improvements — both in its beauty and functionality.

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

ONLINE PAGES

Davis Senior Center hosts annual ASUCD HAUS hosts Housing Fair on Nov. 13 craft fair showcasing creativity The Housing Fair showcased different and community housing options, advocacy groups and ASUCD units for both students and the community

To kick off the fall season, the craft fair highlighted a variety of local artisans and crafters

BY ALYSSA TORRES city@theaggie.org

The 2024 Fall Housing Fair hosted on the Quad. (Sacha Chickering / Aggie)

BY JESSICA YUNG campus@theaggie.org On Nov. 13, the ASUCD Fall Housing Fair took place on the Quad from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Housing Fair included booths from local apartments, ASUCD service units and local nonprofit groups. The event was free and open to both students and community members.

The Housing Fair was set up by the ASUCD Housing Advising for Undergraduate Students (HAUS) and College Pads.

Sam Hopwood, a fourth-year political science major and unit director of HAUS, elaborated on the unit’s role for students.

“HAUS works with students to directly address their woes via housing,” Hopwood said. “[We do] housing advocacy and housing advising.

We give [students] direct advice and counseling about housing. We connect them with tenants rights organizations.

Students [can make] appointments with a housing advisor [...] and we will get [students] wonderful guidance and counseling.”

Hopwood elaborated on the challenges that students face.

“The hardest part of college is finding housing,” Hopwood said.

“We’re young people. We don’t know what to do. We don’t know how our tenants rights are being respected or disrespected. HAUS is a resource for students to know what to do when

finding housing. Students can reach out to us and get assistance and receive guidance as a renter and as a tenant.”

Cherié Dimmerling, the executive director of Fair Housing Sacramento, said the main housing issue facing tenants today is disability rights violations.

“In California, the bulk of the [housing] complaints are around disability and disability rights,” Dimmerling said. “The other big disability complaint that we get is around reasonable accommodations.

Reasonable accommodations means if you have a disability, that [apartments] have to reasonably accommodate that disability, i.e. having a ramp, if you need a wheelchair [and/or] putting bars in the bathroom.”

Hopwood said that finding housing is particularly difficult in California because of the state’s high unhoused population. Dimmerling reaffirmed Hopwood’s statement.

“I do work with homeless individuals, as well as homeless students,” Dimmerling said. “There’s a surprising amount of students that I would have never anticipated that are homeless and taking classes until I got to California.”

There are many ASUCD and campus resources that support students facing a lack of housing, according to Hopwood.

“Aggie House is a wonderful transitory housing,” Hopwood said.

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Davis residents seeking unique, handmade crafts gathered at the annual Senior Center Craft Fair on Nov. 16.

The craft fair has been a tradition for over 20 years, becoming a touchstone for local vendors to gather, sell and show their crafts to the Davis community.

Over 20 vendors participated in this year’s craft fair. One of these vendors was Buttons ‘n Bears, Oh My!, a local microenterprise founded in 2011 by longtime friends Anna Hoban and Jackson Murtha. Specializing in custom and premade designs, their booth featured teddy bears, buttons and magnets, and over the years, they’ve created designs for political campaigns, parties and gifts.

This is the second time Buttons ‘n Bears,

The Davis Senior Center hosts a craft fair with local, handmade items for sale.

(Sacha Chickering / Aggie) Oh My! has participated in the Senior the highlight of the fair.

“The most enjoyable thing about Center Craft Fair.

Craft fairs not only provide local craft fairs [is] getting to see old friends artisans and crafters an opportunity to and getting the chance to meet new sell their creations, but they also provide people,” Hoban said. a chance to connect with their fellow crafters and the greater community. For Hoban, these personal interactions are

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Yolo Transportation District expands transit options

Yolo Transportation expands its bus routes, restoring Route 44 in South Davis, with goals of restoring transit options post-pandemic

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

BY ALMA CULVERWELL city@theaggie.org The Yolo Transportation District (YoloTD) recently announced significant updates to its Yolobus services, including additional trips on Routes 43 and 230 and restoring Route 44 in South Davis. This initiative

is part of YoloTD’s ongoing effort to rebuild transit services cut during the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance commuting options for Davis residents.

The proposed changes include increasing weekday service on Routes 43 (Central/East Davis), 43R and 230 (West/North Davis) from one morning and one afternoon trip to three morning and three afternoon trips. Route 44,

which serves South Davis, is being relaunched in response to increased community needs. The YoloTD Board of Directors voted to approve these proposals on Nov. 18.

Through these changes, YoloTD aims to alleviate overcrowding and improve commute times. Feedback from ride-along and travel surveys helped shape the plan, reflecting the district’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Davis residents as more people return to the office.

Community feedback has played a strong role in the YoloTD’s planning and implementation process. Steven Sandhoff, a Davis community member, emphasized the need for clean, efficient transit options, noting that South Davis has been underserved despite population growth.

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OPINION

Artificial Intelligence might be The sun setting early taking over journalism: here’s why is ruining my life The onset of winter can worsen one’s it shouldn’t productivity; here’s how to not let it The ethics of using AI in writing

JASON XIE / AGGIE

BY ELLIE NOH eenoh@ucdavis.edu Since 2020, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly grown as a form of technology, making headlines due to its ability to complete tasks faster than ever. This increase in AI development occurred throughout the pandemic, largely driven by the challenges created with working remotely and our hindered ability to have humanto-human interactions. Now, with more AI platforms like ChatGPT, we are able to generate ideas just from a click of a button.

In a world with increasingly rampant use of technology and the rising presence of generative AI, the real question is this: When does it become ethical to use Artificial Intelligence in journalistic writing?

Journalism refers to the type of writing which covers news by collecting information from various sources, such as an interview and creating reports.

Without journalism, it would be difficult to stay up to date on current news, and we might even be prone to danger if we aren’t aware about what is happening in the world around us.

If you’ve ever written an essay, column or article before, you might be aware of the time it takes in order to go through multiple drafts, along with the never-ending editing process to produce your best work possible. With the recent developments in AI, many writers have learned to take shortcuts — they have allowed AI to think for them, sitting back and watching ChatGPT come up with words and phrases they may not have ever thought of.

In any writing, and in journalism in particular, AI has the potential to come up with auto-generated articles, freeing up journalists to spend their time focusing on other, more pressing issues. While this strategy can be used to help with timeliness for publications, I believe that there should be a limit on what it can be used for. AI should be a tool, not a replacement for humandiscovered truth.

Central to the art of journalism is the notion of seeking out sources as a reporter and in this way creating human-to-human connections when

covering a story. Using AI, rather than taking the time to put spoken words onto paper, eliminates the presence of human thoughts and emotions in journalistic writing.

In my past journalistic experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to schedule interviews with various changemakers to cover their journeys in making an impact in their community. From this, I recognized the importance of creating that human-to-human connection, which establishes a sense of understanding between myself and my conversation partner. Through faceto-face communication, we connected through our shared journeys. In many ways, AI-generated articles lack this crucial “human touch.”

Additionally, because AI is still developing to this day, it often has issues with credibility, making it an unreliable news source for people to go to. 1,121 “Unreliable AI-Generated News” websites across 16 languages were discovered by NewsGuard. With this in mind, some AI functions have yet to become a solid source of information for us, meaning that we should refrain from using AI in order to prevent the possibility of spreading misinformation.

However, there are a few ways AI can be ethically used to prevent human errors. One way includes checking articles for grammar and any spelling discrepancies that are missed by the

eye of writers and editors. Additionally, if efficiency is fundamental, the best way to communicate an original story while improving the usage of time is to generate story ideas using AI. If you choose this option as a writer, it is crucial to keep in mind that this generated list is not able to fully encapsulate your personal experiences and inspirations of the article.

AI can also be used as a search engine in order to quickly gather baseline research needed for an article.

However, this has to be used carefully, especially with the unreliable features of AI that necessitates us to manually crosscheck its results for false information.

In the end, any writing that you create should stem from your own ideas, not from computer generation. Will the average reader be able to tell whether it was written by AI? Probably not. Even so, in every decision we make we must think and consider our own morals and what we see as ethical — the decision is ultimately ours. Writing is central to our academic and professional lives and should not be a missed opportunity for human creativity.

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.

BY ABHINAYA KASAGANI akasagani@ucdavis.edu I am not being hyperbolic, nor am I laughing when I say that the onset of winter has dampened all festivities. I am one to enjoy the cold — maybe even prefer it — yet, every year, I forget about daylight savings and the sun begins to set, taking with it all my will.

The sunset never throws a tantrum nor postpones its cruel, inevitable descent. Time waits for no one. What remains waiting in a dusty corner is a pile of work just about due. I am less productive, less inclined to desire productivity and, by the time I come around to the idea of work, it is dark out. While daylight savings time gets blamed for this, the issue has more to do with our biology and habits.

This is because the change in time disrupts our circadian rhythms, which are closely tied to natural light, causing sleep deprivation and reduced focus levels. The productivity conundrum of shorter days often leads to decreased energy and fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite and difficulty concentrating.

This misalignment of our internal clocks makes even the simplest of tasks feel monumental: our bodies now interpret the dark as a signal to wind down.

One may also associate the setting sun with the end of the day, even if several productive hours remain. This association can lead to procrastination

KAYLA TRAN / AGGIE

and a diminished willingness to engage in physical or creative pursuits. One does not fail to address the paradox — an hour once gained is an hour eventually lost.

It is human nature to blame this lack of energy on an external problem.

One might argue that daylight savings time, introduced to maximize evening light during warmer months, often exacerbates the effects of this shift. It can feel as though our days are shrinking, and even though this is temporary, our bodies take time to adjust.

While daylight savings time worsens the cruelty of winter and adds to the list of its many downsides, there are still some benefits (however hidden).

This change was originally implemented to reduce energy consumption by decreasing the need for artificial lighting during warmer months. Longer hours of daylight encouraged outdoor activities that, in turn, benefitted several industries, including retail, food service and tourism. It also aligned with societal patterns that prioritized evening activities over early morning ones, extending usable daylight that better fit the rhythm of daily life.

While nothing can be done to change this, we’ve established before that winter is manageable. There are practical ways to combat this disillusionment.

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ARTS & CULTURE

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

6 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Review: ‘Heretic’

A24’s new thriller blends classic horror with religious discourse

BY ELIZABETH BUNT arts@theaggie.org Anyone who spends any amount of time online has probably seen advertisements and trailers for the new horror movie “Heretic.” The film is produced by well-known company A24, known for hits “Midsommar” (2019), “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022), “Moonlight” (2016) and “Lady Bird” (2017). With raving reviews from critics and a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is safe to say that “Heretic” is the latest addition to A24’s long list of hits — but what is the movie really about and why is it special?

At face value, “Heretic” is about two young women who are tricked inside of an older man’s house. Once inside, they realize that the old man isn’t quite what he seems and that they will have to think on their feet to make it out of his house alive. Any fan of horror will be familiar with this plot; It is the classic cat-and-mouse game of the genre.

Where “Heretic” differs is the details.

The young women who become trapped in the house are Mormon sister missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East). The opening scene of the movie shows the two canvasing houses in the neighborhood, hoping to convert residents. When they meet Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), they are happy to find someone who not only invites them inside but seems excited to talk to them about the faith. True to Mormon conventions, the sisters are unable to enter the house unless another woman is present. Mr. Reed tempts them by saying that his wife is just in the other room.

From this point on, the film takes place almost entirely within the labyrinthine house. But unlike many other horror movies, “Heretic” does not rely on jump scares or unnecessary gore to keep its audience spooked. Instead,

it is very dialogue heavy.

Set in one small house with a cast of only three characters, it relies on long exchanges and thought-provoking monologues to move the plot forward.

In fact, it may be more accurate to call “Heretic” a psychological thriller rather than a conventional horror film.

When the girls are truly stuck in the house, Reed begins a conversation about religious beliefs that turns into an inquisition. His questions clearly come from an atheist point of view and his goal seems to be to force the missionaries to speak against the Mormon church. Determined to contradict his entrenched beliefs with their own, the young women think on their feet and defend their faith to the end. If there is a critique to be made, it is that the missionaries have perhaps turned into symbols of stubborn belief by the end of the film rather than the three-dimensional characters they began as.

Despite receiving positive feedback from critics and many viewers, “Heretic” has caught flak from religious organizations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) has commented that the representation of Mormon missionaries was done in poor taste and their conduct sensationalized.

Other Christian publications have raised the complaint that the atheistic Mr. Reed depicts the secular bias of Hollywood productions.

Religious controversy aside, “Heretic” is a must-see for horror and thriller fans, because it takes classic tropes and reworks them into something almost philosophical. It’s odd to think of a horror movie like this as thoughtprovoking, but that is the best way to describe “Heretic.” A24 has created a creepy fishbowl in which viewers can see religious conviction tested by odd and extenuating circumstances, untainted by cheap scares. Audiences will leave the theater with much more to think about than just how to escape an eerie cabin in the woods.

BY CHARLIE MCBRIAN arts@theaggie.org In a country where queer existence is not always met with acceptance, the media plays an important role in imagining a reality better than our own. Here are five queer picks to keep you company over winter break.

Album: “Live at the Paradise Garage 1979” (2000 archival) by Larry Levan An early house music pioneer, Larry Levan’s DJing mixed soul, disco, funk, electronica, post-punk and psychedelia at the alcohol-free — but certainly not drug-free — queer discotheque: Paradise Garage. “Live at Paradise Garage” is an uptempo soul set in which Levan blends Cher and the Supremes with obscurities at a relentless and seamless tempo, allowing the set to feel like an endless party.

Paradise Garage distilled the initial queer freedom promised by Disco into an enduring and repeatable reality — immune to the supposed “death of Disco.”

Eventually, AIDS killed the club in 1987 and Levan in 1992. But his legacy lives on through the diva pop of Madonna, Beyonce, Grace Jones, Sophie and subsequent generations of DJs and gay clubs as well as Garage house, a whole genre based on the sound of Paradise Garage and Levan.

Movie: “Nowhere” (1997) dir. Gregg Araki “Nowhere” represents the crater of meaning at the center of pop culture. The film follows a day in the life of a group of young eccentrics grasping at meaning through sex, love, media, drugs and religion in an increasingly apocalyptic Los Angeles. Gregg Araki takes this framework and heightens each element, overwhelming each frame through surreal colorful visuals, camp dialogue and a fuzzed-out alternative soundtrack. Beyond turning it on its head, “Nowhere” bends pop cultural symbols to the point of snapping, fracturing into 1,000 shards of acid-dipped rock candy. Initially received as a style-over-substance parody piece, its caustic indifference speaks to a world suffocated by conflicting narratives.

Song: “The Drowners” by Suede (1992) Emerging out of Britpop, Suede remains a criminally overlooked group within the scene. Suede was able to condense the flirty, sleazy and dangerous side of glam rock into an alternative rock context and turned the queer subtext of David Bowie and T. Rex into text. Backed by its scuzz-wall of guitars, “The Drowners” contains the excitement of enjoying something you’re supposed to reject, of being something you’re not supposed to be, distilling the group’s best elements. It feels like a warm velvet hug, it feels like gender. It’s really good, please check it out.

TV Show: “Are You the One?” (2019) by MTV Despite the name, reality TV represents a manufactured and limited reality.

This is especially clear in dating shows which invariably reinforce heteronormative expectations. Season eight, “Come One, Come All” of MTV’s “Are You the One?” sidesteps this, not because it’s more honest — it’s catty, dramatized and at times ridiculous. Rather, it crafts a reality that uplifts the queer experience as something complex, tangible and worth celebrating without pandering to a straight audience. Boasting a fully sexually fluid cast, the eighth season of “Are You the One?” has 16 contestants that share the goal of finding eight perfect matches and winning $1 million. It’s a smaller cast than earlier seasons but a much more challenging task as each contestant may be a match with the other 15. This leads to a lot of strategy and some satisfying negatives as well as devastating false positives. Its cast also meshed together well, feeling as though they need to win this for the queer community. As pretty much the only queer dating show on major streaming platforms, this is a must watch.

Hugh Grant, Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher in “Heretic.”

(Courtesy of A24 / fair use)

Video: “Sufjan Stevens ‘Futile Devices’ Live on Soundcheck” uploaded by WNYC (2011)

Review: ‘Wicked’ defies more than just gravity

I’ll finish it off with a 2011 radio performance of “Futile Devices” by Sufjan Stevens. Minimal yet gorgeous instrumentation sets the stage for an emotionally overwhelming performance from a misty-eyed Stevens. “Futile Devices” sits at the edge of action, a small interaction burdened by centuries of violent negation. But to choose to live as you want despite that is what makes queer love so beautiful and necessary. Youtube user @Connor Williams put it best: “He made his own damn gay ass self cry with his own damn gay ass song.”

The highly anticipated “Wicked” film adaptation reminds us cinema can be engrossing

How to bring holiday cheer into your daily life this December

As the holiday season takes ahold, find ways to make each and every day more magical than the last Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in “Wicked.” (Courtesy of Universal Pictures / fair use) Part one of “Wicked” was released

BY AALIYAH on Nov. 22, 2024, giving fans the first ESPAÑOL-RIVAS half of the musical. In an interview arts@theaggie.org with Deadline, director Jon M. Chu described the decision to split the film “Wicked” has been everywhere. into two.

From phone ads, Target commercials “It was also the most obvious thing and the “Defying Gravity” riff being to do, because every time we tried to stuck in everyone’s heads, there has make it one movie, you had to rip out been no escaping the promotion for the songs,” Chu said. film. However, only a movie as grand As a result, one half of “Wicked” as “Wicked” needs a promotional run was released this year, and the second just as big. half will be released on Nov. 21, 2025.

The musical “Wicked” is a prequel The film itself was breathtaking: to the film “The Wizard of Oz” that The costumes, sets and songs built an follows the story of Elphaba, the immersive experience that entranced Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the viewer to no end. As each song the Good Witch of the South, on their pushes the story forward, the film journeys to becoming who they are. becomes more engrossing alongside Originally adapted loosely from a book the inevitable emotional connection

by Gregory Maguire from 1995, the to each character. musical debuted on Broadway in 2003 Though its runtime of two hours and is now the fourth longest-running and 40 minutes at first seems like a feat, Broadway show in history. by the end of the film, it’s bothersome The film adaptation of “Wicked,” how fast it feels. Both Erivo and Grande however, was announced in 2016 and gave jaw-dropping performances that took nearly eight years to complete. showcase their range as actresses.

Starring Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), the film began filming in 2021 and only wrapped in Jan. 2024 due to the pandemic and the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.

WICKED on 11

BY NATALIE SALTER arts@theaggie.org With a shower of golden leaves and a stretch of rainy days, fall has at last transformed into winter. December in particular is a special time of the year for many, as it brings the holiday season which is so widely beloved. But with its cold, class-filled days, you might need a touch of extra work to make this year’s final month as wonderful as it ought to be. If you’re in need of a little inspiration, look no further.

There are plenty of classic winter activities worth taking advantage of this year. Ice skating is especially fun with friends, a classic December sport that is enjoyable for beginners and pros alike.

If you’re really ambitious about your cold-weather exploits, you can drive up into the mountains for some authentic skiing and sledding amidst a snowy wonderland. If your taste in activities is decidedly less physical, bundle yourself up in your favorite sweater and scarf and take a walk around Downtown Davis with a few friends, perhaps with hot chocolates in hand and an eye open for any holiday decorations.

Unfortunately for any stress-free dreams you may have for December, not only is it the chiefest of holiday months, but it is also finals season. Combined with dreary, cold weather and a general

gloom amongst students cramming for their big exams, you’ll need to take care of your mental health more than ever.

One of the best ways to do so is finding ways to make the necessary — in this case, the slew of term papers and study guides you might find yourself saddled with come mid-December — more delightful. Pack your bags and find a cozy seat in a local cafe or restaurant of your choice, and combine your studies with a sweet treat or a steaming hot beverage to ease the load.

Speaking of hot beverages, there’s no time like December for the wonderful treat of hot chocolate. It’s a staple of the season which can be personalized in countless ways. Many stores, including every college student’s beloved Trader Joe’s, offer different flavors of hot chocolate for every preference. Flavored marshmallows and candy canes are also a clever way to inject a burst of flavor into an already-delicious drink.

One of the coziest activities for cold days — and one that comes with a tasty result — is baking. Cookies are one of the easiest and most fun things to make in your free time. While the possibilities are endless, you can celebrate the season by making sugar cookies and decorating them as festively as you’d like. Sugar cookies can be formed into a variety of fun shapes and frosted in any color.

You’re limited only by your imagination, and what you make can be shared with

your loved ones as a thoughtful and adorable gift.

After a long day of classes in the frigid and t seemingly never-ending rainy weather, you’ll likely come back home feeling more than a little bedraggled. Treat yourself to a long, hot shower or bath to shake off the cold, then get into your favorite pajamas and indulge in all your self-care favorites.

Lotions and balms can help soothe any dryness you might be victim to this winter. A classic holiday film or a cheesy seasonal romance novel can help you unwind with festive flair. And, if you haven’t had the chance to get in touch with friends or family at home, a cold December evening is the perfect time for a video call to catch up and spend quality time together.

Once finals come to its long-awaited end and winter break is finally free to begin, you deserve to ring in the occasion with some gifts for yourself.

Whether you’re doing some last-minute holiday shopping for your loved ones or just feel inclined to reward your own hard work, there’s no better time to buy yourself that item you’ve wanted for forever. Plus, it’s a useful way to motivate yourself to study hard for your exams. Though finals are far from enjoyable, it’s the little things like these that make them at least bearable, and the month altogether as full of joy as it ought to be.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024 | 7

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

Where mischief meets melody

Mondavi Center and the Manetti Shrem presented Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale”

A cool girl’s guide to gift giving

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

Playing Santa? Here are some picks your loved ones will find perfect this upcoming holiday season LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

BY SAVANNAH ANNO arts@theaggie.org Let’s be honest. While it may be in opposition of the holiday spirit, gift giving isn’t just about who you’re giving the gift to. It’s also about you.

Sitting around the tree on Christmas morning or revealing secret Santa with your friends, you want to be able to feel proud of yourself. You want them to know that you’re creative, that you’re capable of finding the elusive “perfect gift.”

While we can’t promise that the following recommendations will be completely on the nose for everyone, it can give you a place to start.

The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, where a presentation of Gaetano Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale” was performed on Nov. 15, 2024. (Aggie File)

BY IQRA AHMAD arts@theaggie.org There’s a certain magic to the thought of attending an evening at the opera — the plush red carpet underfoot, the buzz of excitement at the ticket booth and the warm camaraderie as you mingle with fellow attendees. This was exactly the enchanting atmosphere that greeted opera-goers at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts presented, with the Manetti Shrem, Gaetano Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale.”

On the chilly evening of Friday, Nov. 15, the opera’s whimsical charm came to life against the backdrop of a vibrant night and a live orchestra to accompany it.

Glammed up for the occasion, students and community members arrived in dazzling sequin dresses, tailored blazers, sleek suits and stylish polos, complemented by heels, boots and polished dress shoes. Styled hair, slicked back or cleanly combed and big Hollywood curls, completed the look.

The effort to dress for the evening gave the event a special sense of occasion, creating an ambiance of excitement and elegance.

The Mondavi Center’s main hall buzzed with activity as guests checked in their coats, purchased snacks for the show and anticipated the opening of the doors at 7 p.m. Shared smiles and introductions added to the sense of familiarity as old friends reunited and new connections were made. Small groups chatted enthusiastically, while others flipped through program flyers,

reading about the opera’s history and storyline.

With 1,800 seats to fill, it was the Mondavi Center’s first fully-staged opera featuring a live orchestra and an interactive video set. As the house lights dimmed and the orchestra began to play, the audience settled in, captivated by the vibrant reimagining of the comedic opera set in 1980s Miami paired with neon colors and lively costumes.

Laughter rippled throughout the hall as the plot unfolded, with playful nudges and excitement exchanged between friends who saw reflections in the slapstick humor and witty dialogue — their own relationships were mirrored in the characters on stage.

The magic did not end with the final bow. As the performers took their steps offstage, the energy from the production seemed to carry into the lobby of the Mondavi Center. Guests lingered, snapping photos and animatedly recounting their favorite moments.

For any students, evenings like this are not only memorable but accessible.

Events at the Mondavi Center often offer UC Davis students discounted and even free tickets to any event, making it a perfect opportunity to explore brilliant and new performances without breaking the bank.

If going to the opera or catching a play sounds exciting, make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events and performances by checking out the Mondavi Center’s website or following their social media pages. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in a new experience or engage in different events — all just a few steps from campus.

For the book lover: If you don’t want to take a gamble on what your book lover has or hasn’t yet read, or what they may or may not enjoy, go for book-adjacent gifts. If you want to impress, ditch the bookmark idea and instead look for a custom book embosser on Etsy. A stamp that doesn’t need any ink, the embosser gives your book lover a subtle and classy way to mark their copies permanently. You can pick a symbol that speaks to them — a favorite flower, their chosen genre, an animal — and complete it with their name.

Pair it with other reading accessories like a crotchet book sleeve or a Kindle page turner so they can sit back and relax while they read (if they already own a Kindle, of course). If you know their favorite book or character, surf Etsy for subtle jewelry, stickers or candles. You can even order customized letters written and sent by a character of your choice, from Katniss Everdeen to Mr. Darcy — while it’s something your book lover may never order themselves, we both know they would secretly keep it forever. for:

When men are difficult to shop

Whether it’s your father, your boyfriend or your brother, shopping for the men in your life is probably the hardest task of the season. Never giving you any idea of what they might want, it’s easy to resort to the classics: socks, cologne, a LEGO set, some sort of sports or grilling tool, etc. While those are all great gifts, if you want to try something new this year, go for something that’s already been well-loved. While antique stores may seem like they only carry vintage jewelry or tea sets, you may find a variety of interesting objects that could serve as a great desk decoration or a new family heirloom. Vintage model cars,

matchboxes, posters or collectible sports cards from their favorite team are classic but unique at the same time when you get them second hand.

If it’s for a best friend or romantic partner, try to incorporate something handmade. Find vintage charms and turn them into matching keychains, print out and frame concert tickets from shows you’ve attended together or try your hand at ceramics to make a personalized tray for their rings or keys.

Impressing the film buff: Honestly, this one is pretty simple.

With ticket prices at movie theaters steadily increasing, include either a gift card to the local cinema or try the Regal Unlimited subscription for a month — $21.49 for 30 days of endless movies and 10% off concessions. In the same breadth, make your Letterboxd lover’s dream come true by upgrading their account to either Pro or Patron for a year. A movie-reviewing app, Letterboxd’s upgraded accounts give users special access to beta-features, personalized viewing statistics and the ability to fully customize their profiles.

Beyond subscriptions, try to include posters of your film buff’s favorite picks (either vintage or newly designed on Etsy), anything from the A24 online shop or the Jellycat Popcorn Bag, perfect for sneaking any snack into the theater.

While it’s difficult to resist gifting her yet another candle, fuzzy blanket or pair of slippers, it’s time to branch out when it comes to your mom. Try to cater toward her special interests and shop for her as if she were a friend. If she loves art, try to find a local craft workshop or studio in your hometown that you can sign her up for. If she’s more of a green thumb, find her a set of ceramic plant markers from Etsy or a customizable seed packet organizer if she tends to leave them all over the house. Anything you can adjust to her preferences, like a coffee table book on her favorite subject, a new ceramic vase or a wallet in her favorite color are all functional and easy to find.

If you want to keep her on her toes, pair these with some smaller trinkets she would never think to get for herself.

Anything a little whimsical, like a felted figurine of her favorite animal, a funny set of salt & pepper shakers or a set of vintage postcards, is perfect for any mom who loves a little collectible.

This holiday season, remember that what makes a gift truly perfect is that it’s coming from you. While gift guides like this serve as a great baseline, it’s up to you to show that you listen and understand the person you’re giving a present to. Whether it’s a family member, a friend or even a coworker, the best feeling is opening a gift from someone and knowing that they really get you.

Finding a new family through Diwali Finding structure within ‘A Short

What Diwali is and how students are celebrating away from home

Finding your mom something new:

Talk with Tomoyuki Endo’

Visiting scholar Tomoyuki Endo discussed the relationship between the structure of Chinese ideograms, the importance of audience imagination and the analysis of modern poetry

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

BY JULIE HUANG arts@theaggie.org

Students getting henna tattoos at the Diwali celebration hosted by the UC Davis Indian Student Association. (Jenna Lee / Aggie)

BY DEVANSHI AGNIHOTRI arts@theaggie.org Your mom carries a diya from the kitchen to the porch, her lavender sari sparkling with the light reflected from the sparklers in your brother’s hand. A rangoli of flowers with your favorite colors lights up the ground as — “Connection is Unstable.” The screen turns off and you toss your phone, bouncing it off the edge of your twin XL. While being in college and away from home, Diwali has looked different for many students. Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights, and this year it took place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. As a way of celebrating, people light up the outside of their homes with diyas and string lights to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, or good over evil.

Diwali is one of the biggest Indian holidays and has always been a very family-centered celebration. The whole family helps tidy up the house and then prepares it for the decorations, everyone working together to get the marigold garlands and string lights up, as well as placing the diyas properly.

Many families will also create rangoli, a colorful design made out of colored powders, rice, sand and chalk on their doorstep. The lovely traditions and cute quirks of families make Diwali a personal and heartwarming holiday for many.

Since many students cannot go home in time to celebrate with their family, they have to enjoy it behind the screen of their video call — where your dad might be holding the phone at the wrong angle, making you miss your home even more.

Despite unstable video calls, many students tried bringing the Diwali magic on to campus. UC Davis’ Indian

Student Association (UCDISA) hosted a celebration called “Diwali Dhamaka.”

The event was held on Nov. 16 from 8 to 10:30 p.m at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) Ballroom and involved music, dancing and food. Students showed up in their cultural clothing, varying from kurtas to lehengas.

UCDISA created a fun atmosphere for all students, especially the ones missing their family, to celebrate Diwali with another family.

“I think one of the things about college is this idea of a found family where the friends and people you meet and live with feel like family a lot of the time,” the President of UCDISA Saanvi Bapu said. “We wanted to give people a place where they could celebrate these holidays with that found family.”

Jhankaar A Cappella, UC Davis’ South Asian/Western fusion a cappella team, also hosted a henna booth at the party. The entire ARC Ballroom was decorated with golden fabric, marigold garlands and string lights draped around the room. UCDISA served rose milk, paapdi chaat and kaju khatli to give students a taste of home. Right after the food, the lights were dimmed and most people gathered on the dance floor, dancing and singing along at the top of their lungs to the music.

Though traditionally celebrated at home, Diwali, like many holidays, can be celebrated elsewhere. Luckily for UC Davis students, Diwali celebrations also take place on campus for students who can’t spend it with their families and need a little extra “light” in their lives.

Those looking to celebrate don’t need much to replicate the magic of the holiday: Marigold garlands and string lights coupled with loved ones are more than enough to relight the Diwali spirit away from home.

On Nov. 19, the UC Davis Department of English hosted scholar Tomoyuki Endo, visiting this quarter from Tokyo’s Wakō University, to give a short talk on the connections between Chinese characters and modern poetry.

A professor and translator of 20th century Japanese and English literature, Endo’s most recent translation, cotranslated with Forrest Gander, is Shuri Kido’s “Names and Rivers,” which was longlisted for the National Translation Award from the American Literary Translators Association.

Endo began his talk by reading a quote from Ezra Pound’s “The Cantos,” a modernist poem that includes Chinese characters.

“I dare to imitate his style and way of reading,” Endo said.

Endo continued by describing how artists in the early 20th century experimented with color, texture, composition and material in order to create more abstract ways of expressing thoughts and feelings than previous artistic traditions, such as naturalism, which tries to represent subjects accurately to how they appear in real life.

“It’s kind of embarrassing for me to talk about American poetry to Americans, but let me try,” Endo said.

Specifically, Endo explained how Pound applied the structure of Chinese characters to the creative processes of writing poetry: by using the guiding principle that Chinese characters are shorthand pictures, where the combination of two pictures depicting concrete concepts results in the creation of a more abstract concept. For example, the concrete character which means “sun,” when combined with the character meaning “tree,” creates the abstract concept of “east” as a direction.

Similarly, Pound’s poetry revealed abstract and artificial constructs of human culture by combining more concrete ideas to create new ways of thinking about things.

“This is the very fundamental principle of writing poems after the 20th century,” Endo said. “After breaking the pentameter, what is it that poets have

Tomoyuki Endo giving a talk at Voorhies Hall, where he discussed the similarities between Chinese characters and modern poetry.

(Julia Heron-Watts / Aggie) to follow? Is there a principle or some horse is blowing air out of its nose.”

Endo paired the poem with a visual rules to write good work?”

Endo connected the principle of a horse-drawn carriage in the rain, derived from the structure of Chinese in which steam was not only coming characters to a quote by Antoni Tapies, out of the horse’s nostrils but also from a painter and sculptor who stated that, raindrops falling onto the back of the “If one draws things in a manner horse.

“From this one line, you come out which provides only the barest clue to their meaning, the viewer is forced with two different images,” Endo said. to fill in the gaps by using [their] own “I would say that’s the magic of poetry.”

Using the poem “Burning the Small imagination. [They are] compelled to Dead” by UC Davis Professor Emeritus participate in the creative act.”

“One has to participate in the Gary Snyder as a final example, Endo completion of a poem in order to create once again illustrated the significance of Tapies’ quote. [their] image,” Endo said. “[The poem] looks like just With that in mind, Endo then engaged in an analysis of “Alba,” description after description, plainly another poem of Pound’s, in order to speaking,” Endo said.

However, each seemingly disjointed more clearly walk through the process by which, through the imagination of an piece of imagery, when taken as audience, concrete elements of language interrelated parts of the poem’s overall can convey more abstract feelings. structure, creates a sense of time and He pointed out how the structure of geography within the poem.

“Snyder picks up all these images of consonants within the poem created the light, fire or heat and lines them up in feeling of a sensory experience.

“The fricatives and laterals [within one poem,” Endo said. “We are forced “Alba”] suggest the movement of air,” to find the coherence of these images.”

For example, “Burning the Small Endo said. “In this room, I would say, Dead” mentions Deneb and Altair, a light breeze is blowing.”

Endo proceeded to analyze which are stars that are, respectively, “Preludes” by T. S. Eliot using the same 1,400 light-years and 16.7 light-years principle of, through the participation away.

“The light we see from Deneb is of the audience’s imagination, concrete elements creating more abstract as old as Lady Murasaki’s ‘The Tale of Genji,’ but you can see it at this complexities. “‘A lonely cab-horse steams and moment,” Endo said. stamps,’” Endo said. “[Eliot] doesn’t say it, but we can easily guess that the TOMOYUKIENDO on 11

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

8 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

Aggies head home to celebrate their beloved holiday traditions UC Davis students reflect on holiday festivities, recipes and memories

BY EMME DUNNING features@theaggie.org Holidays are a time to reconnect with family and friends near and far.

As Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, many students travel to reunite with loved ones; For some Aggies, travel makes the holiday season look just a little bit different.

Iain Kennedy, a fourth-year economics major, heads across the pond almost every holiday season. The senior was born and raised in England until he was 10 and still has close family in Scotland, where his family gathers for December festivities.

“I’ve spent pretty much every single Christmas and New Year in the [United Kingdom],” Kennedy said.

The holiday season in Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh is rich with its own special traditions that residents know and love. For the Kennedy family, Christmas time conjures up memories of snooker, a game similar to pool, murder mysteries on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and good food.

Kennedy also raves about the New Year’s Eve celebration in the city.

Commonly referred to as Hogmanay in Scotland, New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration and community gathering, something that Kennedy has witnessed first hand.

“In Edinburgh, they have a massive block party and there [are] thousands of people on the streets,” Kennedy said.

“Right when midnight strikes, there are fireworks over the castle. You all cross hands and you sing Auld Lang Syne.”

For Gael Ibrahim Bagby-Fonseca, a UC Davis alum with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology, family is also a central part of the holiday season. BagbyFonseca celebrates an unconventional Thanksgiving, heading down to visit family in Mexico for the traditionally American holiday.

“Thanksgiving is a super American holiday, but I have family in Mexico and we go and visit every November,”

NOVA MAI / AGGIE

Bagby-Fonseca said.

For their family, creating new traditions and spending time together are what make the day truly special.

“When we’re over there they cook octopus and a bunch of other stuff that’s not turkey,” Bagby-Fonseca said. “It’s just a celebration of family and giving thanks.”

Caden Velasquez, a UC Davis alum with a Bachelor of Arts in international relations, also has experience with travel during the holidays. Velasquez and his family often moved around in his upbringing, and their Christmas

celebrations and traditions shifted with these moves. Despite many changes, one thing has stayed the same.

“We would rarely be in the same place for the holidays, but the one thing that did remain consistent every year was being surrounded by my family,” Velasquez said.

For his family, food is an integral part of festivities. Velasquez recounted traditional Venezuelan meals that his family has made around the holidays including pan de jamon and, most important to their family traditions, hallacas.

“We would all get together — and this was an entire day endeavor — we would make hallacas,” Velasquez said.

“We’d spend the whole day sourcing all the materials. We cook the masa and the meat, and we prepare everything on a long table.”

Hallacas are a corn-based dough with a tamale-like filling. The unique dish can include ingredients such as olives, capers and raisins and are typically cooked in a banana leaf wrapping.

“We end up making hundreds of them, but we never keep more than

10% of them,” Velasquez said. “The purpose of making them is to give them all away. We’ll package up hundreds of them and give them away to friends, family and neighbors.”

Velasquez expressed that a little can go a long way toward creating memorable family traditions, noting two things that always made his holidays special.

“We’d always have family, and we’d always have good food.”

Navigating tough conversations with family around the holidays UC Davis students share their experiences and advice on controversial discussions with family during the holiday season

BY GRACIELA TIU features@theaggie.org Although the holiday season can bring people feelings of love and comfort, spending time with family during these festivities often also brings up controversial conversations.

Conversing with close friends or extended family over the holidays can sometimes turn unpleasant, especially when the topics at hand get too personal or political.

Many people, including students at UC Davis, have experienced these uncomfortable or disagreeable family discussions and try their best to circumvent them.

“I would try to avoid bringing up anything to do with politics,” Serineh Ohanian, a third-year managerial economics major, said. “Since they grew up in a different environment, they have different ideas and perspectives on certain topics and what the government should do about them. Because I was

JASON XIE / AGGIE

brought up in the more modern age that is more inclusive, I would say I do have a different perspective than they do.”

Sometimes, deciding whether to bypass or continue these conversations depends on which family members are present.

“If it is with a close family member that I know I can find common ground with, we might further engage in an uncomfortable conversation,” Eliana Shor, a second-year managerial economics major, said. “If it is with a family member I am not as close with, I tend to walk away.”

Nicole Hazen, a first-year chemistry major, described her method of navigating these exchanges.

“With conversations like that, I usually engage and try to resolve conflict, but I also don’t let them get their way,” Hazen said.

Ohanian has also changed how she moves through these conversations, especially because she wants to stay mindful of any children in the family who may be listening.

“I would say that my approach has changed over the years,” Ohanian said. “I would be more quiet, I would sit down, I wouldn’t say a word and I wouldn’t want to cause an argument or a fight. In more recent years, I definitely have spoken up more because I know there are young children here listening, and they are extremely impressionable.”

Ohanian continued to emphasize the impression that arguments can make on younger family members.

“When they hear these things, they just believe the people around them,” Ohanian said. “They’re too young to know how to do research or how to gain their own information or truly what to believe. When you speak up, they hear another argument or another point, and it makes them able to see a different side of things.”

When talking with family, students like Shor find it helpful to speak with intention and awareness of different perspectives.

“Over the years, I’ve begun to give more compassion and respect to

people with opposing views on political issues,” Shor said. “I’ve grown to be less argumentative and more careful with what I say and the battles I choose to fight.”

Certain topics might feel unavoidable, but consciously choosing which subjects to continue discussing can also help avert any unnecessary conflict.

“My advice would be to know when to pick your fights,” Ohanian said. “Figure out which topics are really important and speak up about those — but if it’s something minor, you know, it is your family, it is the holidays. Keep the peace and have everything be as calm, civil and loving as possible.”

Convincing your family to agree with your opinions typically tends to be harder than you think.

“Give your family understanding and time, as that is the only way that they will begin to feel comfortable listening,” Shor said.

“You can’t change anyone’s mind overnight, and their difference in

opinion doesn’t inherently make them a bad person.”

Even though in the moment, persuading family members to agree with you might seem like the best solution, it might not always be possible.

“I would say there typically isn’t a sense of understanding [reached] since you honestly do have your own mindset and ideas, and it’s really hard to switch [theirs] as much as you try,” Ohanian said. “But, I’ll always be there to have open discussions and open communication with them and really be understanding.”

Ultimately, if it is possible and feels right, moving past any arguments and appreciating the time spent with family during the holidays might feel more enjoyable, as these Davis students have attested.

“I always try to end things on a good note and come together,” Hazen said, “Just so we can all stay on good terms and appreciate the moment.”

9 |THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

THE CALIFORNIA 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.

Answer to previous puzzle 11/21/24

Crossword

CAMPUSSTRIKE FROM FRONT COVER That has given us grounds to go on strike.”

UC Davis Student Housing and Dining Services had temporarily closed the Cuarto Dining Commons, Latitude, Scrubs, The Gunrock, Spokes and the Meal Card Office through the end of the strike on Thursday, Nov. 21. The Segundo and Tercero Dining Commons operated with limited hours, and markets at all three residential living areas and the Silo remained open with regular hours.

With dining commons and health centers impacted by strike, Parab urged students to inform themselves about the impact workers have on their day-to-day campus lives in order to understand the reason behind the strike.

“They’re the backbone of our Davis community,” Parab said. “We wouldn’t have access to good food. We won’t have access to clean residence halls without them. They’re the ones doing the groundwork. They’re the ones making sure you have what you need every single day.”

To fill in for the vacancies on campus during the strike, the university outsourced workers with a pay of $32, seven dollars higher than the $25 pay workers have demanded during negotiations. To Parab, this hiring practice feels like a betrayal to the workers who have served the students for years.

“Rather than hiring our local workers, our contracted workers, for those vacancies, they’ve been outsourcing for those drops instead,” Parab said. “You’re not giving them the proper increases or you’re not giving them the correct wages, do they matter? Does their time matter? Does

the support that they’ve given the UC system matter?”

For the union, the housing crisis is a major concern amidst negotiations.

However, the bad faith negotiations, in addition to UC’s $8.6 billion investment in Blackstone, a private equity firm with a history of buying out single family homes, is troubling to many union members.

“A lot of students care about affordable housing,” Parab said.

“Ultimately, the money that’s going into Blackstone comes from our workers pension plans, right? That money isn’t coming from anywhere.”

“We fundamentally disagree with AFSCME’s claims of bad faith bargaining and characterization of unacceptable bargaining proposals,” a statement issued by the UC on Nov. 8, 2024 read, in part. “The university is dedicated to working in good faith through these impasse procedures to reach a fair agreement supporting these valued employees. During AFSCME’s last round of bargaining with UC, the union went on strike six times. Thus, AFSCME’s strike notice is not a surprise, but it is premature and is a disheartening development, nonetheless.”

A UC Davis spokesman shared with The California Aggie more about UC Davis’ stance on the issue.

“UC Davis respects our AFSCMErepresented staff and is committed to good-faith negotiations, fair wages, excellent benefits and full engagement in the collective bargaining process,” the spokesman said. “Our unionrepresented employees are key to the success of the university, which is why the University of California has offered raises averaging 26% and hourly wages and annual increases that meet the union’s original demands.”

The spokesman also noted that instruction, research and other campus operations were set to continue without

Answer to previous puzzle 11/21/24

disruption.

The strike is the second major labor demonstration in the UC system this year; Academic workers represented by UAW 4811 struck in spring over several alleged unfair labor practices.

Workers are also picketing at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, though a UC Davis Health representative said to The Aggie that they do not expect any disruptions in patient care as a result of the strike.

UC Davis Health workers are now in bargaining stages through early December, according to the UC Davis Human Resources Website. The UC system has proposed a Tentative Agreement (TA) that the union workers are voting on from Dec. 3 to 6.

Graduate Workers United For Progress, among other groups that are in favor of the strike, have released statements on Instagram opposing the UC Tentative Agreement.

“This TA undermines the democratic principles of this union,” one statement read. “The agreement was negotiated in closed-door meetings, bypassing the ‘open-bargaining’ process that ensure rank-and-file participation. Accepting this agreement sets a dangerous precedent for future negotiations.”

Those who wish to stay up to date on the strike and the union’s negotiations with the university can visit AFSCME 3299’s website as well as the UPTE website.

TRANSPROTEST FROM FRONT COVER Two of the center’s demands addressed these issues. One was for students to be treated with respect, including to stop deadnaming and misgendering in the classroom.

Another called for UC Davis to “tighten up” policies on gender discrimination and harassment.

The organizer spoke on these demands and also addressed the future contention regarding the availability of certain medications that are widely used by transitioning individuals.

“It feels like this university does not have any contingent plans or any actual movement right now within the administration to effectively try to cover for these medications being removed near or after Jan. 20,” the student organizer said.

Flaugher addressed a similar concern.

“There’s a lot of fear that restrictions are going to be placed on genderaffirming care for adults,” Flaugher said. “Making sure that our university is prepared to continue funding care regardless of what restrictions may be put in place [is important].”

Three demands were centered around these fears and improving what systems UC Davis already has in place. One of the demands was partially created because of harassment the center has previously experienced.

“Our center has had some targeted harassment over the past year,” Flaugher said. “[We want] to make sure that the policies UC Davis and the UC system have in place are sufficient enough to protect us. I don’t want the bar for those policies concerning policy violations to be super high. We want to make sure that policies are able to protect us as they’re written.”

Flaugher believes there are administrators that would be open to discussing the center’s demands.

“We’re always going to support trans students’ freedom of expression,” Flaugher said. “We’re going to aim to be a safe and welcoming place for students to come and have refuge. We’re going to keep doing programming that educates our community and allies about what trans and queer people are experiencing every day. We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing.”

At 12:51 p.m., the marchers returned to the Student Community Center. Once the march had officially concluded, the crowd repeatedly chanted, “Fuck Beth Bourne.”

Those who wish to keep up with the center’s events can follow them on Instagram or visit their website at lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu. The center is located on the first floor of the Student Community Center and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m on Fridays.

MEMORIALART FROM FRONT COVER Beck said that in addition to stainless steel, she also chose to use a unique type of glass.

“The glass is dichroic, which is Latin for ‘two colors,’ because it transmits one color and reflects another,” Beck said. “When you go to the piece, be sure to look at the color as you walk around it because the color shifts. It’s meant to embody [Karim’s] light and color, so to speak.”

Najm is survived by his mother, Nadine Yehya, his father, Majdi Abou Najm, and his younger sister, Jana.

The family lived in Lebanon until 2018 when they moved to the U.S. In her speech at the event, Nadine recognized the significance of Lebanon’s Independence Day, which fell on the same day as the art unveiling.

“Karim came from this tiny country,” Nadine said. “It would have broken his heart to see what’s happening [...] We Lebanese are ambassadors of peace and prosperity.

Our weapon is education and our shield is faith.”

Nadine also spoke directly to members of the Davis community.

“I’m here today as Karim’s mom and his voice, but one day I won’t be here, and I trust you will remember him and carry his story,” Nadine said. “‘Fiat Lux’ will be your heart’s compass to love, ambition and strength. May its energy feed your soul and fill your cup.”

Majdi and Nadine said they have visited the site of their son’s passing almost every day since it happened.

There, Majdi said they met other members of the Davis community and shared their grief experiences.

“We shared stories of Karim, as you also shared stories of your loved ones,” Majdi said. “Every time we came, some magic and powers intervened, and someone from this community would show up, share a story, give us their heart or just ask to join us.”

Majdi said these conversations have turned a painful reminder of their son’s passing into a positive space.

“With thousands of tears and hearts, and with an infinite amount of love, this berm transformed into a healing space for many, us included,” Majdi said. “Today, as we unveil this beautiful art in remembrance of Karim, I hope you remember all your loved ones, because they are always with us, whether in this physical world or in spirit.”

TGPERFORMANCE FROM PAGE 4 All we can do is continue to support those of us without accepting families at home and wish all of our fellow queer actors at UC Davis a very sincere “break a leg” this holiday season.

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.

SHANYUE ZHEN/ AGGIE

10 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

An overview of Trump’s 2020 Title IX revisions from his first presidency, his plans for 2025 and beyond

UC Davis students to reflect on how his next term will affect their time in college following tightening of Title IX policies

Cooking rituals: How students balance a healthy diet while in school

UC Davis students provide insight on how cooking and eating rituals play a role in their day-to-day lives

BY AMBER WARNKE features@theaggie.org When Donald Trump became president in 2017, he nominated Betsy DeVos to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Education. Once she took office, DeVos announced sweeping changes to Title IX, the federal civil rights law preventing sex-based discrimination in education, which has been widely applied to cases of sexual assault and harrasment that occur within the context of educational settings.

“Betsy DeVos in May 2020, issued what’s called the ‘DeVos rules’ to Title IX,” Alice Malmberg, a Ph.D. student in American politics, said. “And that fundamentally changed how Title IX was implemented, specifically for higher education [cases of ] sexual harassment.

So it narrowed the definition, first of all, of sexual harassment, and required colleges to investigate claims only if they were reported to certain officials.”

This limited the number of people to whom a student could report sexual assault and harrasment, which previously included teaching assistants (TAs), coaches, community advisors (CAs) and a wide number of other university staff.

Hearing of these decisions, Heather Williford, a fourth-year cognitive science major, made a comment on her analysis of the issue.

“It doesn’t sound like progress; It sounds like we’re going backwards,” Williford said.

Malmberg also said that the DeVos rulings “required live hearings” between complainants — both those who reported sexual misconduct and respondents who were accused of it.

“Students were allowed, and in some cases required to, question one another [and’ cross-examine one another through representatives during these live hearings,” Malmberg said.

“A survivor could question a person accused of committing an act of an assault, but also that accused person could question the survivor.”

This stands in strong opposition to the previous guidelines, which strongly discouraged cross-emaninations in cases of sexual abuse or harrasment, only allowing for cross-examination to occur through a third party.

“I’m willing to bet that someone who is accused of perpetuating sexual assault, who has everything to lose but wants to clear their name, is a lot more comfortable and is willing to take

VERONICA THEN/ AGGIE

BY JENEVAH HARRISON features@theaggie.org

DARXIA VARELA MEDRANO / AGGIE advantage of questioning a survivor than the survivor wanting or [...] having the motivation to question that person,” Malmberg said.

Critics have pointed out that being cross-examined directly by their assaulters can be “highly traumatic” for survivors and may lead to some victims dropping their cases entirely.

When considering the 2020 Title IX policies, Sophia Lim, a third-year applied mathematics major, commented on her fear for women’s safety going into the next presidential term.

“It’s just restricting people’s voices in a way that affects their safety,” Lim said. “[It] makes me feel scared. It makes me feel like there’s not a place for women in this world.”

However, the Title IX rulings around sexual misconduct are “not surprising” because of Donald Trump’s being found legally guilty in 2023 of sexually assaulting a woman, E. Jean Carroll, in the 1990s, according to Lim. Malmberg explained that under the DeVos rules, colleges were not required to handle complaints from students about instances occurring beyond the borders of the Davis campus — with some exceptions including campus or fraternity houses.

Not only were universities not required to manage these cases, but they were actually forced to dismiss them.

In addition to this, there were no Title IX protections for students studying abroad.

“For example, if something happened in Downtown Davis, even if the incidents were both UC Davis students, and even if they had just been coming from the Davis campus, colleges and universities would not necessarily be required to treat that as a Title IX matter because it didn’t happen on campus grounds [under the 2020 rules],” Malmberg said.

Furthermore, under the DeVos regulations, colleges were not obligated to investigate all sexual harassment reports, but only the “most egregious cases” that were “severe, pervasive and objectively offensive,” rather than the previous definition, which included all behavior that was an “unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.”

Williford considered the wording of the DeVos rulings.

“It sounds like it’s making it more strict about what qualifies as something you can report,” Williford said. “I think you should be able to report anything that’s upsetting to you of that nature.”

The DeVos rules also lacked a deadline for investigations, which were previously mandated to take no longer than 60 days in order to give complainants a speedy result.

TITLEIXVSTRUMP on 11

College life often evokes images of late-night study sessions fueled by instant ramen or greasy pizza deliveries.

However, at UC Davis, students hope to redefine the stereotype by introducing creative approaches to healthy eating, even amidst packed schedules.

However, this is easier said than done to implement. From meal prep hacks to mindful grocery shopping, these Davis students shared that though it can be difficult, maintaining a nutritious diet is achievable — and there are plenty of resources to help.

Many students without a meal plan on campus initially struggle with maintaining balanced cooking routines and find themselves uncertain or stressed about the responsibility that comes with practicing a regular cooking schedule.

“I usually eat out most days of the week and cook maybe once or twice a week,” Madeline Hass, a second-year environmental science and management major, said. “But it’s definitely a New Year’s resolution of mine to start cooking it up more.”

Between lectures, labs and the everlooming threat of deadlines, it’s easy for nutrition to take a backseat. For many students, convenience and cost dictate their eating habits.

“When you’re on a tight budget and limited time, fast food often feels like the quickest option,” Hazel Henninger, a second-year history major, said. “I realized eating poorly was really affecting my energy levels; I often felt sluggish and just straight up gross, which definitely didn’t help with my workload.”

For Henninger, the realization that

eating well wasn’t just about maintaining a visually healthy appearance but also a healthy mind, ultimately motivated her to make some changes.

UC Davis students have found that small, consistent habits can make a big impact. For example, one strategy to avoid cooking every day is developing a meal-prep routine. This may include preparing food items in bulk to last the whole week.

“The Nutrition Source” from Harvard University’s School of Public Health provides a meal prep guide which may be helpful for some students.

They express the substantial benefits of meal planning and prepping which has the potential to help with time and money management, weight control and creating a balanced, nutritious diet while reducing stress levels, according to the meal prep guide.

For those less keen on extensive meal prep, batch cooking is another less extensive approach. This strategy consists of cooking a large batch of one meal that will last for several days, allowing less time devoted to preparing meals multiple times a week.

Smart shopping goes hand-inhand with developing healthy eating habits. The Davis Farmers Market is a popular location to obtain quality, locally produced fruits and vegetables.

Many students enjoy the convenience of the market and its surplus of fresh produce, as well as the overall pleasant atmosphere.

“I love going to the farmers market,” Maria Gonzales, a second-year nutrition science major, said. “It’s not only about getting fresh fruits and veggies — it’s also a way to de-stress and enjoy the community.”

COOKINGRITUALS on 11

From suffrage to the White House: how generations of women paved the way for Kamala Harris’ historic candidacy

UC Davis students and a professor share how the candidacy was made possible through the work and sacrifices of generations of women fighting for political equality and representation

BY JALAN TEHRANIFAR features@theaggie.org The recent election marked a watershed moment in American history: A woman came close to being elected President of the United States. This feat, which has been most notably attempted by two female candidates to date since 2016, is huge — though it has proven difficult to break through the glass ceiling of a female presidency in the United States. Still, women’s rights, particularly in the political forum, have expanded dramatically spanning the last century.

This milestone was not simply the product of one candidate’s ambition or determination. It is the culmination of centuries of tireless work, courage and sacrifice by women who defied convention, broke barriers and fought for the right to be heard and seen.

Current Vice President Kamala Harris addressed this notion in 2020 in her speech at the Democratic National Convention when accepting her vice presidential candidacy.

“That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me,” Harris said. “Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty and justice for all.

Without fanfare or recognition, they organized, testified, rallied, marched and fought — not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table. These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed.”

Her victory as the elected vice president marked a triumph of perseverance but also a recognition that her achievement was built upon the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before her. To understand the true depth of this moment, it is important to step back and reflect on the centuries of fight that made it possible.

As Dr. Lisa G. Materson, a UC Davis professor and historian of U.S. women’s and gender history, explained that the journey toward political equality for women has been anything

but linear.

“In the history of women’s involvement in the struggle for voting rights and party politics, there have been many disappointments before and there have been many moments where people who supported a woman candidate or who were a candidate t h e m s e l ve s or who were seeking voting rights, thought they were on the verge of victory, and then that didn’t come,” Materson said.

Materson continued by explaining barriers that have

people of color, laborers [and] women,” Materson said. “She ran a newspaper.

It was one of the important historically B l a c k newspapers in the United States.

It was called The

historically stood in the w a y of women seeking to become involved in political movements.

“If you look at 1920, there were still tons of women who, VERONICA THEN / AGGIE [...] even if they were legally enfranchised or they had the legal right to vote, the constitutional right to vote, they weren’t able to cast a California Eagle.” ballot because — for example, African Materson Americans in the South — [...] of the emphasized white disenfranchising measures or how Bass colonized women [who] couldn’t cast leveraged her role a ballot,” Materson said. “So, you know, a s a journalist you can look at these different moments t o spotlight historically as part of a longstanding stories o f t e n trajectory of women’s political activism.” ignored b y Materson highlighted Charlotta mainstream media — Bass, who was the first African American particularly those controlled by whitewoman to run for the vice presidency dominated newspapers — reporting in 1952. on issues that otherwise would have “She was involved in left politics for a been left out of the public conversation. combination of rights for individuals — Shirley Chishom, one of the handful

of women that Harris particularly named, was the first African American congresswoman and the first Black woman to run for president in 1972.

In the Empire Suffrage Syllabus, created by faculty and graduate students across the University of California including Professor Materson — Shirley Chishom was highlighted for opposing U.S. militarism and advocating for social programs that aimed to mitigate social inequalities.

Especially because of the recent election, the topic of women’s roles in politics has been widely discussed on college campuses. Hana Raie, a thirdyear political science major, shared her thoughts on the subject as a young female pursuing a degree in a political field.

“I didn’t think that in this day and age, the gender of a candidate would hold so much weight over an election,” Raie said. “As a student taking classes that revolve around politics and voting for the first time, I was very invested in following the events of this election season.”

Raie also shared some disheartening discourse she saw on social media throughout the election cycle.

“I saw a lot of discourse over social media regarding it, and there were many people posting and making comments about how they were only voting for Trump because he was a man — a lot of people were saying that a woman doesn’t ‘have what it takes’ to lead a country, and I wish I could say I was surprised to see this,” Raie said. “It’s one thing to vote against an individual because you don’t agree with their political views or policymaking,

but it’s another thing to vote against them based on their sex.”

Raie’s reflection highlights the persistence of gender bias in politics, revealing how these biases are still deeply ingrained, even among younger generations.

Nava Regev, a fourth-year political science major, highlighted how the experiences of women are complex, and that there are many factors shaping the challenges they face and progress they make.

“Women continue to face systemic barriers in politics, but also in other aspects of life like work atmospheres and healthcare, and I think a lot of that can be attributed to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles,” Regev said. “That being said, women’s roles in society are not the same across all women — [they vary] across different cultures, races and social classes too.

Black women, Indigenous women [and] women of color […] they are not only fighting against gender-based discrimination but also racism and colonialism, which shapes the course of history and politics in its own ways as well.“ Regev plans to pursue a career in politics, hoping to continue this ongoing legacy of women making strides toward equality and equal representation.

“Aside from my political views, I think Kamala is a very impressive individual,” Regev said. “As someone with an Indian background on my mom’s side, it’s inspiring to see someone with a similar ethnic heritage accomplishing so much and fighting for women’s rights and being proud of her background and the work she’s done. This is why it’s important to have a diverse range of representation, especially in politics.”

Although Regev is proud of how far women have come, she recognizes that there is still much work to be done, stating, “We’re not done yet.”

“Although women’s role[s] in politics have come a long way since the Nineteenth Amendment was passed, I think there are still many milestones that have yet to be reached,” Regev said.

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024 | 11

SCIENCE AND TECH Giant water lilies bloom at the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory

Native to the backwaters of the Amazon River, Victoria amazonica have been brought to UC Davis for the first time

BY KATELYN BURNS science@theaggie.org Victoria amazonica is native to tropical South America, and it is found in the backwaters of the Amazon River.

This plant is used to conditions where the water is more stagnant, the pH is lower and water depth is shallower. It is commonly found in lakes and ponds.

The water lily is regarded as one of the most difficult plants to cultivate, but Ryan Booke, a third-year plant sciences major and student employee at the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory, has managed to successfully cultivate the plant.

“Only so many people have cultivated the plant,” Booke said. “So, there’s a lot of gray area.”

Booke brought the project to the manager and curator of the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory, Marlene Simon, whose role was to support Booke behind the scenes. However, Booke bought the seeds himself, managed to get them to germinate and continues to care for the plant.

“The germination rate is very low,” Booke said. “It’s only around 2 to 3%, and that’s out of 150 [seeds].”

Once Booke succeeded in achieving germination, the next concern was space. Known for their rapid growth and large size, giant water lilies require a lot of area. Simon allowed Booke to use a room in the staff greenhouse, formerly fitted for cool-growing cacti, to be converted into the room for the Victoria amazonica. It was also equipped with two above-ground swimming pools.

“In theory, the leaves can get nine feet across,” Simon said. “Ours have been three to four feet.”

Despite the leaves’ sizes being limited by the pool size, the plants have still reached maturity. The green, circular leaves have upturned red rims and spikes on the bottom. Once that red rim appears, it’s considered to be flowering size.

The first of the flowers bloomed earlier this November in the early morning. Booke remained at the

CITYCOUNCIL FROM PAGE 3 Standing face to face, Pytel swore in Henry as Davis’ new Chief of Police.

Following a handshake between the two men, Henry shared his regard for Pytel and his intentions for his new role in the department.

“How he has always put this community first has been nothing short of inspirational, and it’s been a guide to me as to how I should be a police chief and how I need to lead the police department within the city of Davis,” Henry said. “What I can promise this council and this community and the police department is I will absolutely embrace this job with everything that I have, my heart and soul.”

Together, the council stated their unanimous faith in Henry’s ability to fill the hole left in Pytel’s wake. An emphasis was drawn on the new chief of police’s compassion for his family, all of whom were in attendance that night. Webb voiced his own certainty about Henry being the perfect candidate for the position.

“The decision to hire executive team members within our ranks are not decisions that are made lightly, and sometimes they’re not easy ones,” Webb said. “But I will tell you, the appointment of Chief Henry to our police chief job was probably the easiest decision I’ve been able to make as a city manager. You’re going to do great things for this community, for the department. You’re going to continue the legacy of Chief Pytel in many ways, and in many ways, you’re going to have your own flavor in your own assessment and your own twist on things and how you do chief right [...] I have no doubt that you will be extremely successful in doing that.”

The UC Davis Botanical Conservatory houses the Victoria amazonica, a giant species of water lily. (Christian Cendejas / Aggie) conservatory that night to give the public the rare opportunity to view the blooms, and the arrival of the flowers was announced on Instagram.

On its first night, the flower is considered to be female. On its second night, the flower is considered male and pollen can be collected. In its native environment, Victoria amazonica relies on a specific species of scarab beetle that is heavily attracted to the flower’s pineapple smell and its thermogenesis.

In the conservatory, Booke acts as the pollinator and collects the pollen.

He can pollinate the next blooms, producing a first generation of seeds.

A concern for the flower is how it handles the winter months. In the plant’s native environment, the winter is dry. There’s less rain, the water recedes and the temperature drops.

The current concern for the Victoria amazonica at the conservatory is the water temperature, which has become a hassle to keep stable. The water heaters — there are a couple for each pool — are used for 200 to 250 gallons of water and the pools contain around 1,000 gallons. Furthermore, the greenhouses are old, facing issues with power outages and outside air getting in.

There have also been issues with

algae and aphids, and furthermore, the plant is sensitive to many different conditions.

“If you give [the lily] too much light, it will die,” Booke says. “If you give it too little light, it will die. If you give it too much fertilizer or too little fertilizer, it will die.”

But Booke is hopeful that the plant will survive, ideally until Picnic Day. “If I can get people to see it even barely alive, I think that’d be pretty cool,” Booke said. “If someone wants to donate money when they see it on Picnic Day, I will be thrilled. That will help me buy more seeds, get a better

water heater, buy equipment that can help with amateur testing, or something like that.”

Nevertheless, even if these plants don’t make it, it seems that Victoria amazonica is here to stay at the UC Davis Botanical Conservatory.

“We have the setup for it,” Simon said. “We have the swimming pools, we have the lights, we have the knowhow. All the protocols are being written down. And it is really popular, people like seeing it, people are in awe of it.”

being isolated from other regions of the world, how is that freedom?

Additionally, if the workers aren’t questioning what they’re told is “true” and aren’t speaking up about their mistreatment out of fear of retaliation from their leader, is it truly freedom?

“If It’s True” is another commentary piece sung by Reeve Carney as Orpheus, where he presents this doubt to the workers. He asks them to think about their role and the role that Hades plays as a leader with power, and to remain skeptical of what Hades says is the truth.

At the end of the song, Orpheus tells the workers that they are stronger together and that their opinions and voices matter. They have their own power, strong enough to combat the power Hades wields.

These aspects of “Hadestown” are relevant to our world today: Human beings have been, are and always will be stronger together. Often, we take each other and our own voices for granted. We don’t question why society or authority figures tell us to live in certain ways as much as we should. We must remain curious about our world.

This musical, what Hermes calls a “sad song,” is retold over and over again, as most stories are. Even though we know the tragic ending, we continue to retell and relisten to the tales. Why? It reminds us of who we are at our core, as well as what we live and die for. To be able to turn a mirror around to humans — so that we see ourselves in our nature, the weaknesses and strengths we often lose sight of — is the most beautiful thing about art forms such as this one.

and falsettos in each song, and the instrumentals synchronize perfectly with the vocals.

As many fans of the original musical gathered to watch it on screen for the first time, it was apparent that passion was at the heart of this project. From the actors to the production to the promotion, there is no doubt the people involved in the project had nothing short of love for their creation. Not only does “Wicked” defy your expectations, but it changes your life “for good.”

especially unclear for her due to her identity as a queer person.

“It’s disheartening and then scary [to think of how Title IX’s protections may be changed] just because of something that is completely out of my control,” Lim said.

Sometimes, even the best plans can go awry when midterms and finals season hits. To stay on track during hectic times, students rely on quick and easy recipes that require minimal effort.

While some like Hass rely on eating out during these hectic periods — which is completely reasonable — quick recipes to snack on may also be ideal. Some common examples include overnight oats, tortilla wraps and fruit with peanut butter — but there are plenty of other healthy snack options to discover online or through friends.

For students looking to begin their own healthy eating journey, it’s best to start with small steps. Changing your entire diet overnight is not realistic, but performing small gradual changes is ideal in moving toward new goals.

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.

WICKED FROM PAGE 6

HADESTOWN FROM PAGE 4 Although Mitchell created the show’s music in 2006, she eerily mimics and comments on Donald Trump’s ideologies and the current political climate of the United States through Hades and the underworld he calls “Hadestown.” One of the songs that brings attention to this is called “Why We Build the Wall.” It’s a chantlike song with deep, baritone vocals

by Patrick Page (who sings the part of Hades), while the exploited workers in Hadestown respond to questions he asks about why they built the wall.

This song encapsulates the irony of their so-called freedom. The workers say they are building the wall to keep themselves free, as it keeps those who are starving and impoverished from making their way in to take what the workers have. But if that “better life” is being chained up to do labor for eternity and

Erivo, a previous Broadway actress, used her powerhouse vocals in every song she’s a part of, carrying the emotional weight of Elphaba’s character in every note while also doing all of her own stunts. Elphaba’s character growth throughout the film is illuminated by Erivo, showing Elphaba going from timid and insecure to confident and absolutely fearless.

Grande, on the other hand, breaks through her popstar persona and goes back to her Broadway roots to give the most comedic performance of her career. Overly optimistic and conniving at first, Grande shows the eventual softness and heart Glinda has by the end of the film. Both actresses utilize their facial expressions to the highest degree and show the emotional journey the two go through as they go from enemies to friends.

The songs in the film are enhanced beautifully with each calculated change.

There is no shortage of runs, riffs

TOMOYUKIENDO FROM PAGE 7 Endo finished his talk by reading “A Love Letter,” a poem by Nanao Sakaki, whom Snyder regarded as a friend and a great teacher in his poetic endeavors.

“I was looking through his archive [in Shields Library] and was totally surprised to find my essay from 30 years ago or so, when my hair was black,” Endo said.

While reading “A Love Letter,” Endo instructed his audience not to read the words alongside him but only to focus on the sensory qualities of the auditory experience.

“After hearing it read aloud, you will surely know Sakaki is a great poet,” Endo said.

TITLEIXVSTRUMP FROM PAGE 10 “[There was] a lot of criticism from universities that they assumed, and I think correctly so, that the number of Title IX reports and complaints would go down, and the number of assaults or incidents wouldn’t necessarily go down,” Malmberg said.

There is also a concern that these cases would become increasingly underreported, according to Malmberg.

Although many of these rulings have been reversed under the Biden Administration, it is unclear if and how Title IX rulings will be changed when Trump takes office again in January. “[Trump has vowed to] undo [the Title IX] protections specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals,” Malmberg said.

“He said that repeatedly throughout his campaign.”

Trump has promised to enact these changes as early as “day one” of his presidency.

Williford reflected on these statements in light of the election results.

“In regards to trans people in particular, the general hate I’m seeing, especially online, is getting worse instead of better, which you would hope would happen with time,” Williford said. “I don’t think [Trump’s rulings on transgender issues are] gonna lead anywhere good.”

Lim shared that the future feels

COOKINGRITUALS FROM PAGE 10 For others, planning grocery trips with lists helps avoid impulse buys and ensures they stick to their budget.

Focusing on buying simple, staple food items that balance each other is especially important when planning these trips.

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

SPORTS NBA

FOOTBALL

The first father and son duo to UC Davis football falls to Montana play in the NBA together State 28-30 Lebron and Bronny James make history

A dominant fourth quarter performance wasn’t enough to bring the Aggies a victory

BY LUCIENNE BROOKER sports@theaggie.org

Lebron James passes the ball to his son, Bronny James. (Courtesy of FMT / fair use)

BY DIEGO CERNA sports@theaggie.org On Oct. 22, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles to start off the 2024-25 National Basketball Association (NBA) season.

Lakers forward Lebron James returned for his 22nd season in the NBA, tying with former NBA star Vince Carter for the second-most seasons played in the NBA and trailing George Blanda’s 26 seasons played.

However, this wasn’t just any typical NBA season opener. In the summer of 2024, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Lebron James Jr., better known as “Bronny,” with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Bronny signed a four-year, two-way $7.9 million contract with the Lakers, allowing him to play games in both the NBA and the G-League, which is the official minor league under the NBA. With four minutes to go in the second half of the Oct. 22 game, Lebron and Bronny subbed into the game together — both surprising the crowd and officially making history by becoming the first-ever father and son NBA duo to play on the same team.

This accomplishment not only highlights Bronny’s achievement of making the NBA but also showcases Lebron’s longevity in the league. The soon-to-be 40-year-old is averaging

23.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 9.2 assists. Most players’ careers start to slow down in their mid-30s to early 40s, but Lebron continues to play at a high level and, like the majority of his career, is still considered a top player in today’s league.

Bronny has been in the spotlight since he was born. In middle school, fans followed his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) days playing with the North Coast Blue Chips. He later played at Sierra Canyon School where he was widely regarded as one of the best high school basketball players at the time and was named a McDonald’s All-American, along with current NBA rookies — including Philadelphia 76er’s Jared McCain, San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle, Chicago Bulls’ Matas Buzelis. From there, Bronny went on to play at the University of Southern California until he suffered a cardiac arrest that cut his season short.

Fans and commentators have speculated that this is the most pressure a 55th overall pick has ever gotten.

“Bronny has earned this through hard work,” Head Coach Jonathan Clay “JJ” Re d i c k , a f o r m e r three-point specialist in the NBA who played 15 seasons against Lebron, said in the Lakers’ 2024 draft pick introduction press

conference. “His base level of feel, athleticism, point of attack defender, shooting, passing — there’s a lot to like about his game.”

It’s clear that Redick, along with the Lakers, wants to develop Bronny into his fullest potential as a player. This is an area where the modern NBA and its fans have shown impatience: giving young players time to develop.

At this time, Bronny is only 19 years old and his every shot and every game are analyzed by his 8.1 million followers and social media channels — everyone following the game has high expectations. Bronny is more well known than the No. 1 and No. 2 picks of the 2024 NBA draft, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr. Whether or not he has gained his fame through his father, Bronny is a professional basketball player and has not disappointed as the 55th pick of the second round.

As of now, Bronny has been alternating between playing with the G-League South Bay Lakers and NBA Los Angeles Lakers. We don’t know what will come out of Bronny’s career, but it cannot take away what this means for Lebron James Jr. and Sr. stepping out on that court together.

A sold-out crowd of 14,000 watched the UC Davis Aggies fall to the Montana State University (MSU) Bobcats on Nov. 16 at the UC Davis Health Stadium. In what was billed as the “biggest game in UC Davis history,” Head Coach Tim Plough and his team hoped to extend their winning streak and make history. However, their performance wasn’t quite enough, as Montana State went on to clinch the automatic playoff bid from the Big Sky Conference and at least a share of the conference title.

It wasn’t a strong start for the Aggies, whose chances of conference championships and playoff berths quickly decreased. Although they managed to take an early lead with a touchdown from Ian Simpson, a thirdyear sociology major and tight end, the Bobcats easily responded.

One touchdown in the first quarter cut the Aggie lead to one point, and in the second quarter, the Bobcats turned up the intensity. They capitalized on poor defensive play by the Aggies and scored two touchdowns and an additional field goal, making the score 23-8 halfway through the game.

The Bobcats continued their momentum in the third quarter, adding to their point count with a fourth touchdown. With the score now sitting at 30-8, victory was slipping further out of reach for the Aggies. Each MSU touchdown was scored by a different player, showing a strong overall team effort.

However, the Bobcats’ win was not as comfortable as it seemed. With six minutes left in the final quarter of the game, Lan Larison, a fourth-year managerial economics major and running back and captain, scored a touchdown to cut the point gap to 15.

With two minutes left to play and still down by 15 points, a win appeared

to be very unlikely. However, a long pass from Miles Hastings, a fourthyear communications major and quarterback, to Chad Davis, a fourthyear psychology major and wide receiver, saw the Aggies at the fourth-yard line with a scoring opportunity. Samuel Gbatu Jr., a third-year undeclared major and wide receiver, was able to score the touchdown — suddenly, the Aggies were back in the competition with a minute and a half to go.

While the Bobcats took possession and tried to run down the clock, Winston Williams, a fourth-year psychology major and tight end, was able to wrestle the ball away from MSU, leaving the Aggies with one more golden opportunity.

A pass from Hastings found Davis, who scored his first touchdown of the game to make it a two-point game. Although the Aggies had the opportunity to tie the match, they failed their two-point conversion attempt, and MSU was able to retake possession and run down the clock with a sigh of relief.

Despite the disappointing loss, there are plenty of positives for the Aggies to look back on after the game. A total of 13,947 attendees marks the biggest home crowd this season for a team that has struggled to draw a student presence at their games in the past. While the team had hoped they could deliver a win, most fans were just happy to have witnessed such a strong performance from their team.

UC Davis will play their final match of the 2024 regular season against the Sacramento State University Hornets in the highly anticipated Causeway Classic. The Aggies have performed well against the Hornets in recent seasons, defeating them 31-21 last November.

Sacramento State has won only three games this season, so UC Davis is hoping for a chance to close out the season with a decisive victory. The game will take place at Hornet Stadium on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.

LANHUI ZHEN / AGGIE

CROSS COUNTRY

UC Davis men’s and women’s cross country teams have won against over 20 other schools in the West Regional Championships UC Davis cross country teams end the season in 11th and 12th place

BY ABIGAIL DESA sports@theaggie.org The UC Davis cross country teams closed out the season with strong finishes at National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) West Regional Championships in Colfax, Washington, with the women’s team taking 11th place and the men’s team taking 12th in their respective competitions. Despite the chilly weather, all 13 Davis athletes brought the heat and put their best feet forward.

Dani Barrett, a fourth-year wildlife, fish & conservation biology major, earned a spot on the All-Region team due to her performance — an achievement reserved for the top 25 runners in the region.

With a time of 19:55, Barrett placed 18th among 262 competitors, falling short of 17th place by 1.5 seconds.

Barrett’s run also matched pace with her career-high time of 19:53:6 — a time that won her fourth place at the 2024 Big West Championships.

Barrett has had a remarkable fourth season as a UC Davis Aggie: she set new personal records (PRs) and has pushed her limits, with this year being her second time in the top 25 of West Regionals. Last year, Barrett placed 22nd with a time of 20:05:5, a slower time than her performance in this year’s Regional Championships. Barrett’s success at the 2024 West Regionals marks an over 10-second growth.

Coming close behind Barrett on the West Regionals stage was Maddie Kackley, a fourth-year managerial economics major. Kackley placed 36th, clocking in at 20:30:5. While this time is 30 seconds slower than her performance at this year’s Big West Championships, Kackley’s time is still impressive and has

STEPHANIE CHAN / AGGIE

also seen great improvement throughout the season.

The next Aggie to cross the finish line for the women’s team was Hope Bergmark, a third-year human development major, who placed 88th.

Bergmark was followed by Fiona McGrath, a first-year biochemistry and molecular biology major, who secured 102nd place, Stormy Wallace, a thirdyear biomedical engineering major, in 129th place, Kayla Rutz, a third-year managerial economics major, in 136th place, and Lauren Villegas, a first-year communications major, in 149th place.

The men’s cross country team had a successful competition as well with five out of seven Aggies making it in the top 90 runners. This was also the longest race of their season, with the majority of the team running a distance of 10k rather than their usual 8k. Out of 32 teams, UC Davis claimed 12th place in the men’s bracket.

Competing in his first 10k with the Aggies, third-year Muhammed Ahmed was the first person in the UC Davis team to cross the finish line. Ahmed completed the race in 46th place with

a time of 30:02. Following Ahmed was third-year Ethan Brooks coming in at 30:48:5 in 71st place. Brooks completed the race only about 7.5 seconds slower than his PR the previous year.

In 79th place for the Aggies was Chris Coles, a third-year biochemistry and molecular biology major, marking his third time competing on the West Regionals stage. In the competition, Coles set a new PR time at 30:57:2 in the 10k. Just nine seconds behind Cole was Michael Cooper, a third-year political science major, who landed in 82nd place for the team.

The next athletes for UC Davis to cross the finish line were Nick Herrmann, a second-year political science major, in 86th place, Zachary Graeber, a third-year computer science and engineering major, in 128th place, and second-year Donavan Cheruiyot in 143rd place. All Aggies for the men’s team landed in the top 150, with five athletes making it to the top 90.

The UC Davis cross country team made a strong impression at the West Regional Championships, being the first University of California school to cross the finish line in this competition for the women’s category and second for the men’s. Running against the most elite athletes in the country, the Aggies claimed 11th and 12th and showcased their years of training and hours of hard work.

At the final stage of the season for the Aggies, the athletes left it all on the Colfax course. Off-season training will begin shortly, with many athletes looking to track and field competitions in the spring. With many new PRs and achievements, the UC Davis cross country team has completed their season and will now hope to run even faster and farther in future seasons.

UC Davis quarterback Miles Hastings (7) hands off the ball to running back Lan Larison (3). (Julia Heron-Watts / Aggie)